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A Peace Offering
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2019 Advent Calendar collection Homemade for the Holidays.
Dover Billings has sold his handcrafted wares at the Dickens Fair in San Francisco for over twenty years. He's not as outgoing as the other artisans at this yearly Victorian celebration and prefers to observe the festivities from the shadows. That is until a new corset maker moves into the booth next door and unsettles his carefully constructed life. Landry Malcolm is handsome, well-dressed, and the life of the party… one Dover wants no part of. Too bad he's attracted to his confident younger rival.
Landry desperately wishes to get through to the beautiful artist next door, but every move he makes seems to be the wrong one...until a drunken kiss seems to break through Dover's serious demeanor. Miscommunications seem to plague any attempts to find common ground, leaving Landry wondering what—if anything—he can do to make things right. Will a custom-made peace offering open the door to friendship, cooperation… and maybe more?
Dover Billings has sold his handcrafted wares at the Dickens Fair in San Francisco for over twenty years. He's not as outgoing as the other artisans at this yearly Victorian celebration and prefers to observe the festivities from the shadows. That is until a new corset maker moves into the booth next door and unsettles his carefully constructed life. Landry Malcolm is handsome, well-dressed, and the life of the party… one Dover wants no part of. Too bad he's attracted to his confident younger rival.
Landry desperately wishes to get through to the beautiful artist next door, but every move he makes seems to be the wrong one...until a drunken kiss seems to break through Dover's serious demeanor. Miscommunications seem to plague any attempts to find common ground, leaving Landry wondering what—if anything—he can do to make things right. Will a custom-made peace offering open the door to friendship, cooperation… and maybe more?
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2019
7 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
R.L. Merrill
79 books701 followersWhether she’s writing contemporary romance featuring quirky, queer, and relatable characters or diving deep into the supernatural to give readers a shiver, R.L. Merrill loves creating compelling stories that will stay with readers long after closing the book. Ro writes inclusive romance for the Happily Ever After collective, contributes paranormal hilarity to Robyn Peterman’s Magic and Mayhem Universe, and pens horror-inspired tales and music reviews for HorrorAddicts.net. A mom, wife, daughter, and former educator, you can find her rocking out in her Bronco with Great Dane pup Velma, being terrorized by feline twins Dracula and Frankenstein, or headbanging at a rock show near her home in the San Francisco Bay Area! Stay Tuned for more…
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 7, 2020
4 Hearts! - Blog holiday reads with Ann!
Oh this was a good one!
Slight enemies, Dover and Landry seem to step on each other’s toes over and over as they cross paths repeatedly within their small artsy renaissance community. Landry desperately wants to make an impression, and Dover just wants to avoid intimacy all together.
It’s awkward and tentative with a one step forward with two steps back progression. Dover and Landry just can’t seem to connect and they fight with each other and themselves over whether or not they should pursue or just back off.
What I really enjoyed about this is that the MC’s are not cookie cutter stereotypes of the grumpy antisocial nerd vs the charismatic extroverted player. These two have layers, and I was constantly pleasantly surprised to see them slowly revealed in ways I didn’t expect.
Overall, impressive writing with natural realistic progression, this really was one of those rare holiday shorts that never felt rushed nor left out anything crucial (except the erotic details - darn!). Regardless, a hard earned, well deserved happy ending where a bit of perseverance and a willingness to take a chance pays off in all the ways!
Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Check out BMBR for more advent reviews!
Oh this was a good one!
Slight enemies, Dover and Landry seem to step on each other’s toes over and over as they cross paths repeatedly within their small artsy renaissance community. Landry desperately wants to make an impression, and Dover just wants to avoid intimacy all together.
It’s awkward and tentative with a one step forward with two steps back progression. Dover and Landry just can’t seem to connect and they fight with each other and themselves over whether or not they should pursue or just back off.
What I really enjoyed about this is that the MC’s are not cookie cutter stereotypes of the grumpy antisocial nerd vs the charismatic extroverted player. These two have layers, and I was constantly pleasantly surprised to see them slowly revealed in ways I didn’t expect.
Overall, impressive writing with natural realistic progression, this really was one of those rare holiday shorts that never felt rushed nor left out anything crucial (except the erotic details - darn!). Regardless, a hard earned, well deserved happy ending where a bit of perseverance and a willingness to take a chance pays off in all the ways!
Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Check out BMBR for more advent reviews!
January 7, 2020
Oh wow, the mental image I have of Dover had me salivating...which made the fade-to-black seriously disappointing! But still, a sweet and hot holiday tale.
(Edited to add: 69 pages per Dreamspinner website.)
(Edited to add: 69 pages per Dreamspinner website.)
December 23, 2019
Unicorn Christmas Review with *A Reader Obsessed*!
This tale had all the elements of old-timey Christmas pageantry that I would love to have a taste of. The author did a great job of creating a visual treat and considering both Dover and Landry are artists, that element was a character in itself that added to my enjoyment of A Peace Offering.
Dover and Landry have an opposites attract / not-really-enemies to lovers thing going on. I liked where it was going even if Dover came across as a real dick to Landry more than once. Thankfully we got Dover’s POV as well and I really appreciate when an author does that with a particularly prickly character. Especially in a short story. The ending of the story and the beginning of the relationship don’t feel rushed then, because we’ve had the benefit of insight into Dover, in reality, being a bit of a smitten kitten over Landry.
The two of them were a real treat once Dover opened up and all that sweet chemistry got to pour out towards Landry who deserved it muchly by that point.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
This tale had all the elements of old-timey Christmas pageantry that I would love to have a taste of. The author did a great job of creating a visual treat and considering both Dover and Landry are artists, that element was a character in itself that added to my enjoyment of A Peace Offering.
Dover and Landry have an opposites attract / not-really-enemies to lovers thing going on. I liked where it was going even if Dover came across as a real dick to Landry more than once. Thankfully we got Dover’s POV as well and I really appreciate when an author does that with a particularly prickly character. Especially in a short story. The ending of the story and the beginning of the relationship don’t feel rushed then, because we’ve had the benefit of insight into Dover, in reality, being a bit of a smitten kitten over Landry.
The two of them were a real treat once Dover opened up and all that sweet chemistry got to pour out towards Landry who deserved it muchly by that point.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
January 2, 2020
First story read in 2020 and it was a good one!! I truly enjoyed the progress of the relationship; it basically took these two men a full year to make it. Because (a) Dover is so grouchy and closed off (and he's an introvert one!), Dover just couldn't see himself with Landry who is more of an extrovert, a magnet of people coming to adore him and (b) Landry needs that full time to convince Dover that he's worth it.
There's also separation in timeline because these two are artists and they tend to only meet during the Dickens Fair -- although there's one time they also meet in between during summer. Oh, and I loved that ARTIST aspect of the two men.
The secondary characters shine as well, especially loved Dover's father.
With all these tension and courting, I must warn readers that everything juicy happened off page though *laugh*. It made me a bit grumpy as well... but at the same time, I'm also a reader who don't mind low steam/fade-to-black sex scenes. So it's not such a big deal for me.
There's also separation in timeline because these two are artists and they tend to only meet during the Dickens Fair -- although there's one time they also meet in between during summer. Oh, and I loved that ARTIST aspect of the two men.
The secondary characters shine as well, especially loved Dover's father.
With all these tension and courting, I must warn readers that everything juicy happened off page though *laugh*. It made me a bit grumpy as well... but at the same time, I'm also a reader who don't mind low steam/fade-to-black sex scenes. So it's not such a big deal for me.
December 1, 2019
I really enjoyed A Peace Offering by RL Merrill. It's a Dickens themed Christmas short story that has a unique plot and old world feel. It's a enemy to lovers and May/December romance. The backdrop is A Dickens Family Christmas Fair, where the main characters, Dover Billings and Laundry Malcolm sell their beautiful creations.....
Dover is a quiet loner and a bit of a grump. He just wants to sell his woodwork and have peace. So, when a younger, gregarious and rather loud corset maker moves next door to his booth, he is less then thrilled. The more then attractive man just gets on his nerves.....
Laundry can't deny his attraction to Dover, but it seems the beautiful broody man wants nothing to do with him. No matter how hard he tries at a friendship Dover shuts him down....
Until a night of drinking gives Laundry the confidence he needs with Dover and it changed everything!!!
Once these two got together, I couldn't keep the smile off my face.
I loved the push pull between them and felt their mutual attraction.
A Peace Offering was a very sweet and fun story to read. RL created such a captivating world with it's pages.
Dover is a quiet loner and a bit of a grump. He just wants to sell his woodwork and have peace. So, when a younger, gregarious and rather loud corset maker moves next door to his booth, he is less then thrilled. The more then attractive man just gets on his nerves.....
Laundry can't deny his attraction to Dover, but it seems the beautiful broody man wants nothing to do with him. No matter how hard he tries at a friendship Dover shuts him down....
Until a night of drinking gives Laundry the confidence he needs with Dover and it changed everything!!!
Once these two got together, I couldn't keep the smile off my face.
I loved the push pull between them and felt their mutual attraction.
A Peace Offering was a very sweet and fun story to read. RL created such a captivating world with it's pages.
November 11, 2025
HEARTWARMING and FESTIVE, this RIVALS to LOVERS M/M Holiday Romance was quite enjoyable to read! With quick chapters, and a tattooed/nipple pierced Scrooge like MMC, you need to read this book! The story follows Dover Billings has sold his art at the Dickens Fair for twenty years. He not outgoing and grumpy, and when Landry Malcolm is handsome and selling more art than him, Dover wants no part of him. Landry likes Dover, but with him pushing him away, he can’t help but make things right for this Scrooge guy and make a peace offering for him. A low spice M/M Romance that is cozy and perfect to read for the holiday season!
December 31, 2019
This was a really sweet holiday read.
TAGS
-- Holiday/Christmas -- fast easy read-- sweet -- Dover... one grouchy MC with heart of gold -- Landry... one chatty, slightly flamboyant MC -- loved the MCs -- age difference -- miscommunications -- made me smile -- made me chuckle -- less than 75 pages
June 24, 2025
"A Peace Offering" by R.L. Merrill was such a fun and short read. Dover and Landry run in a different friend group and have somewhat different lives. Landry feels like Dover doesn't like him, and Dover feels like he isn't good enough for Landry. I liked the "peace offering"/gift and how it was given. If you want a book that is a quick read and a happy ending, then this is the book for you. Another part I liked was how Dover was in a band and how his band mates gave him the encouragement he needed.
July 1, 2025
Dover and Landry seem like complete opposites. Landry is outgoing and social. Dover is quiet and reserved. The book takes place over a year. When they see each outside of the fair, they learn more about each other.
It was a quick read with some very sweet moments. One of my favorites is when Landry sends Dover a gift.
It was a quick read with some very sweet moments. One of my favorites is when Landry sends Dover a gift.
November 24, 2025
My mother and I went to a Victorian Country Christmas holiday fair for over ten years and it was the highlight of that time of year for me. I was unbelievably jealous when I started reading this story and realized that the Victorian fair they are involved in lasts for a whole month! Regardless, it still takes Landry over a year to win Dover.
Dover is insanely talented in many areas and gorgeous to boot. He also says it like it is which some people have a difficult time with. He’s never cruel but he is direct which Landry really likes… once he realizes that Dover doesn’t hate him. Dover doesn’t know what to make of this younger, exuberant man with an “entourage” of friends. Dover doesn’t mind being alone and oftentimes he enjoys it far more than spending time with people just for the sake of being around people.
Landry is absurdly fascinated by Dover and it takes almost a year before he is able to make any inroads into Dover’s personality. Landry can’t figure out why he’s crushing so hard on this man who seems to think so little of him but once their miscommunication is straightened out, falling in love is just a step along the journey.
A delightful story filled with artists, musicians, Victorian players, and a blossoming love that finds its way.
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. The first edition of this book has been provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review.
Dover is insanely talented in many areas and gorgeous to boot. He also says it like it is which some people have a difficult time with. He’s never cruel but he is direct which Landry really likes… once he realizes that Dover doesn’t hate him. Dover doesn’t know what to make of this younger, exuberant man with an “entourage” of friends. Dover doesn’t mind being alone and oftentimes he enjoys it far more than spending time with people just for the sake of being around people.
Landry is absurdly fascinated by Dover and it takes almost a year before he is able to make any inroads into Dover’s personality. Landry can’t figure out why he’s crushing so hard on this man who seems to think so little of him but once their miscommunication is straightened out, falling in love is just a step along the journey.
A delightful story filled with artists, musicians, Victorian players, and a blossoming love that finds its way.
DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. The first edition of this book has been provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review.
January 16, 2020
Dover loved selling his wares at the Dickens Fair and had done so for many years, but when tailor and corset-maker Landry turns up with a ton of bawdy and over-the-top friends and patrons Dover can’t help but shy away from the exuberance of the handsome man. A few bumps in their initial meetings had both Dover and Landry unsure if they could be friends, let alone anything more like they each secretly hope for. Can the magic of Christmas help them both?
I enjoyed this short story and found myself pleased that Dover and Landry didn’t just immediately fall into insta-lust with each other. While the attraction was definitely simmering there under the surface Landry’s exuberance and Dover’s shyness and blunt, non-sugar-coating style of mannerism meant it took the two men a while to find an easy rhythm between them. I really enjoyed how this added conflict into the book without the usual mis-understandings or plot devices.
It took me a while to really believe in the potential for a lasting relationship between Dover and Landry. Despite the fact they’re both clearly attracted to each other their personalities are quite different and Dover seems to have deep and genuine reasons for not wanting to get too involved with someone as outgoing and over-the-top as Landry is. This kept me unsure of how the potential relationship between Dover and Landry could work both long-term and how well they were suited to each other since in many important respects they were very different people requiring different things from each other.
I was pleased, therefore, once the ice really broke between the men that even with their different needs and outlooks they could find plenty of common ground together and explore the potential of what could flourish between them both. With only a few chaste kisses between the men there isn’t an intensely erotic level of heat in this story but I found the will-they-won’t-they chemistry and tension more than made up for this.
Different and interesting, I really enjoyed this short story and was pleased to find it a lovely and heart-warming story of two men trusting and coming together to build something strong together.
I enjoyed this short story and found myself pleased that Dover and Landry didn’t just immediately fall into insta-lust with each other. While the attraction was definitely simmering there under the surface Landry’s exuberance and Dover’s shyness and blunt, non-sugar-coating style of mannerism meant it took the two men a while to find an easy rhythm between them. I really enjoyed how this added conflict into the book without the usual mis-understandings or plot devices.
It took me a while to really believe in the potential for a lasting relationship between Dover and Landry. Despite the fact they’re both clearly attracted to each other their personalities are quite different and Dover seems to have deep and genuine reasons for not wanting to get too involved with someone as outgoing and over-the-top as Landry is. This kept me unsure of how the potential relationship between Dover and Landry could work both long-term and how well they were suited to each other since in many important respects they were very different people requiring different things from each other.
I was pleased, therefore, once the ice really broke between the men that even with their different needs and outlooks they could find plenty of common ground together and explore the potential of what could flourish between them both. With only a few chaste kisses between the men there isn’t an intensely erotic level of heat in this story but I found the will-they-won’t-they chemistry and tension more than made up for this.
Different and interesting, I really enjoyed this short story and was pleased to find it a lovely and heart-warming story of two men trusting and coming together to build something strong together.
December 14, 2020
This was a sweet romance that takes place over the course of a few weeks at the Dickens Fair in San Francisco. Dover has been at the Dickens Fair for over 20 years selling his handcrafted wares. He's pretty shy and introverted and likes to observe from the shadows. Everything is going well at the fair until the new corset maker moves into the booth next to Dover's and unsettles his life. Landy is handsome, well-dress, and incredibly popular with vendors and customers. Dover is trying to hide his attraction to Landry and Landry is trying to get his surly booth neighbor to open up. When an accident occurs, Landry does something amazingly kind and sweet that warms Dover's heart. This was a lovely, sweet and romantic read that took me inside the Dickens Fair and I really enjoyed it :) I love romances that take place in fairs because I get to experience everything first-hand.
December 2, 2019
A lovely story about Dover and Landry who both sell their handmade wares at the Dickens Fair. The two are quite different. Dover is a quiet artist while Landry is more confident. Despite their mutual attraction, they can't seem to work through their miscommunications. There is one scene between them that got me right in the feels because they can't seem to get it together. Can an inspired gift from Landry break through their impasse? This is worth the read to find out.
December 17, 2020
Omg, did the guys make it painfull! The story was a really cute depiction of what happens when one side of the equation is skittish and standoffish, while the other has more persistence than reasonable! I loved it!
The story is even more original thanks to the setting at an arts market. The descritptions of it make for quite a magical atmosphere!
I enjoyed the story a lot.
The story is even more original thanks to the setting at an arts market. The descritptions of it make for quite a magical atmosphere!
I enjoyed the story a lot.
December 1, 2019
I really love this book.
A sweet,romantic,opposites attract holiday romance, with characters I'd love to read more about.
I don't like to give spoilers for books but,if you want a story to leave you feeling warm and cozy then give this a try.
A sweet,romantic,opposites attract holiday romance, with characters I'd love to read more about.
I don't like to give spoilers for books but,if you want a story to leave you feeling warm and cozy then give this a try.
December 1, 2019
Charming.
As someone who does not like mind games, and prefers to know what others feel about me, I can appreciate Dover's dilemma. And had a few months delay with my love, but could not fathom trying and being seemingly rebuffed for over a year. Glad that they could get together.
As someone who does not like mind games, and prefers to know what others feel about me, I can appreciate Dover's dilemma. And had a few months delay with my love, but could not fathom trying and being seemingly rebuffed for over a year. Glad that they could get together.
December 7, 2019
Sweet and sexy. Would be interested to read more of these characters. I'm not really familiar with Dickens fair or what type of ware they sell there, so I'd like to know more about the artists and their crafts.
Lovely romance between opposites attract.
Lovely romance between opposites attract.
December 19, 2019
Dover seems to work so hard to convince himself that they couldn't be right for each other that he almost misses out on something wonderful. Love the wrap up. When you find you match the next step is to accept them.
May 1, 2020
3.5*
Well, you live and learn! The Dickens Fair is real - spent a great time on the websites!
Certainly crafty, with tailoring and lathing and corsetry and jewelley.
Dover does lead Landry a merry dance through a year of fair work and gigs.
Fits the imprint bill good and right.
Well, you live and learn! The Dickens Fair is real - spent a great time on the websites!
Certainly crafty, with tailoring and lathing and corsetry and jewelley.
Dover does lead Landry a merry dance through a year of fair work and gigs.
Fits the imprint bill good and right.
December 25, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up. A little too literal with the grumpy/sunshine pairing, but well written and very specific with the craft fair/artisans vibe. A lovely quite grand gesture, which finally gets them together.
December 2, 2019
Sweet short story about Landry and Dover and the things they had to come to terms with in order to be together. Really enjoyed reading this story!
December 17, 2019
Though mostly set at Christmas, this story took place over a year, with each scene showing the evolution of the relationship. I loved the characters, including good secondary characters, and the unique Dickens Family Christmas Fair.
Read
December 16, 2019review to follow
December 18, 2020
Sweet romance
A Peace Offering was such a joy to read. It's about how finding love and happiness can make you feel so complete.
A Peace Offering was such a joy to read. It's about how finding love and happiness can make you feel so complete.
December 24, 2021
This was a fun holiday novella to read. It's my first from the author, but I definitely want to check out more of her work.
I enjoyed how well Merrill wrote the totally different characters of Dover and Landry. Dover is a classic grump with a good heart. And Landry is too outgoing and annoying for Dover...or is he? That questioning of how such opposites could be attracted and what growth each of them needs to go through to find their way to each other is what drove this story along so well.
I also thought it great to have this story centered around a Dickens Fair. Especially one in San Francisco, a place I don't normally consider when thinking about Christmas due to its lack of snow. Despite the climate, the Dickens Fair and the holiday feel was there in its own way.
Having finished this one, it's about time I go through more of the authors books from my TBR. I'm sure they'll be a pleasure to read.
I enjoyed how well Merrill wrote the totally different characters of Dover and Landry. Dover is a classic grump with a good heart. And Landry is too outgoing and annoying for Dover...or is he? That questioning of how such opposites could be attracted and what growth each of them needs to go through to find their way to each other is what drove this story along so well.
I also thought it great to have this story centered around a Dickens Fair. Especially one in San Francisco, a place I don't normally consider when thinking about Christmas due to its lack of snow. Despite the climate, the Dickens Fair and the holiday feel was there in its own way.
Having finished this one, it's about time I go through more of the authors books from my TBR. I'm sure they'll be a pleasure to read.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews