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Merry Everything #1
Window Dressing
When bull rider and rising star Sterling Kingsolver wins a national rodeo championship in a stunning upset, he becomes the public face of the rodeo league. But the big bosses had other ideas, and Sterling knows he’s in trouble. The league is pissed, there are a bunch of cowboys ready to kick his butt, and worst of all, he’s headed to New York City in the dead of winter to do a publicity junket. Sterling is just a cowboy from New Mexico, and all the fancy trappings of his new title don’t sit so well with him.
Jonas Burke, an experienced public relations assistant hired by the rodeo league, can't believe his Christmas week vacation has been cancelled to get a hick cowboy from the middle of nowhere cleaned up and presentable by New York standards. The two men square off a couple of times, but as Jonas gets to know Sterling, he begins to understand what makes a real cowboy tick, and he finds a lot to admire. Sterling also starts to realize there’s much more to city boy Jonas than a flashy smile and a good suit.
While taking in the sparkle and joy that is Christmas in New York City, their friendship quickly turns to more. But when the man who was favored to win the competition shows up looking for a piece of Sterling, the whole game changes. When the dust settles, Sterling’s days in the city come to an end, Jonas nearly loses his job, and facing that infamous midnight hour, Sterling and Jonas have to decide if their new year will include each other or not.
Jonas Burke, an experienced public relations assistant hired by the rodeo league, can't believe his Christmas week vacation has been cancelled to get a hick cowboy from the middle of nowhere cleaned up and presentable by New York standards. The two men square off a couple of times, but as Jonas gets to know Sterling, he begins to understand what makes a real cowboy tick, and he finds a lot to admire. Sterling also starts to realize there’s much more to city boy Jonas than a flashy smile and a good suit.
While taking in the sparkle and joy that is Christmas in New York City, their friendship quickly turns to more. But when the man who was favored to win the competition shows up looking for a piece of Sterling, the whole game changes. When the dust settles, Sterling’s days in the city come to an end, Jonas nearly loses his job, and facing that infamous midnight hour, Sterling and Jonas have to decide if their new year will include each other or not.
190 pages, ebook
First published December 10, 2019
130 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Payne
89 books400 followersJODI spent too many years in New York and San Francisco stage managing classical plays, edgy fringe work, and the occasional musical. She, therefore, is overdramatic, takes herself way too seriously, and has been known to randomly break out in song. Her men are imperfect but genuine, stubborn but likable, often kinky, and frequently their own worst enemies. They are characters you can’t help but fall in love with while they stumble along the path to their happily ever after.
For those looking to get on her good side, Jodi’s addictions include nonfat lattes, Malbec and tequila however you pour it. She’s also obsessed with Shakespeare and Broadway musicals. She can be found wearing sock monkey gloves while typing when it’s cold, and on the beach enjoying the sun and the ocean when it’s hot. When she’s not writing and/or vacuuming sand out of her laptop, Jodi mentors queer youth and will drop everything for live music. Jodi lives near New York City with her beautiful wife, and together they are mothers of dragons (cleverly disguised as children) and slaves to an enormous polydactyl cat.
For those looking to get on her good side, Jodi’s addictions include nonfat lattes, Malbec and tequila however you pour it. She’s also obsessed with Shakespeare and Broadway musicals. She can be found wearing sock monkey gloves while typing when it’s cold, and on the beach enjoying the sun and the ocean when it’s hot. When she’s not writing and/or vacuuming sand out of her laptop, Jodi mentors queer youth and will drop everything for live music. Jodi lives near New York City with her beautiful wife, and together they are mothers of dragons (cleverly disguised as children) and slaves to an enormous polydactyl cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 5, 2020
This is much more than a holiday M/M romance !
It's a beautiful story of taking a chance at love, even if it looks hopeless. Our men don't know how they will work out the distances, but they want to figure it out.
This kind of love is once-in-a-lifetime.
Sterling is a Rodeo Champion
...who has to go to New York for League promotion events.
Jonas is hired to guide Sterling through the photo shoots,
the parties and press events. Sterling is overwhelmed at first, but the guys find a cadence that works for them. They like each other, too.
We see their progress and respect for what each man does for a living, and we watch them begin sexy times, that seem much more than either man has ever felt.
Loved each guy here, because they are realistic, true to themselves and make their emotions known.
We also get ups and downs with the events, and our guys keep getting closer, but what happens when Sterling has to go home?
A terrific epilogue. Highly recommended.
ENJOY !
=======
It's a beautiful story of taking a chance at love, even if it looks hopeless. Our men don't know how they will work out the distances, but they want to figure it out.
This kind of love is once-in-a-lifetime.
Sterling is a Rodeo Champion
...who has to go to New York for League promotion events.
Jonas is hired to guide Sterling through the photo shoots,
the parties and press events. Sterling is overwhelmed at first, but the guys find a cadence that works for them. They like each other, too.
We see their progress and respect for what each man does for a living, and we watch them begin sexy times, that seem much more than either man has ever felt.
Loved each guy here, because they are realistic, true to themselves and make their emotions known.
We also get ups and downs with the events, and our guys keep getting closer, but what happens when Sterling has to go home?
A terrific epilogue. Highly recommended.
ENJOY !
=======
November 28, 2022
I enjoyed this cowboy meets cityboy story. Sterling wins a bullriding competition and goes to NYC to promote the league. Jonas is given the job of "babysitting" and is initially anti Sterling. Probably because once again Jason has to set aside his own plans to do the task or risk losing his job. Not much about Xmas though the guys do see the fireworks at New Year.
January 29, 2024
I am going to reread this one. Someone whose reviews I was reading gave this five stars, but with no review as to why. Maybe I’m missing its charm. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the first read.
* Reread 01/2024
Finished and I enjoyed it. The last third of the story was unfamiliar to me and I think I didn’t finish on the first read.
What I liked was the romance part of the story took place all within a week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. City guy and PR man Jonas and rodeo champion Sterling were good characters with some depth. The dual POV helped to understand their motivations. The lust was pretty insta, but what is more romantic than NYC at a snowy holiday?
The love followed quickly, too. I started to think that it was too insta for Jonas to chuck his job for Sterling, but the way it was done showed he was still being pragmatic while being romantic. I liked their airport reunion and the sweet epilogue.
I’m glad that I reread this comfort story and am adding some stars.
* Reread 01/2024
Finished and I enjoyed it. The last third of the story was unfamiliar to me and I think I didn’t finish on the first read.
What I liked was the romance part of the story took place all within a week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. City guy and PR man Jonas and rodeo champion Sterling were good characters with some depth. The dual POV helped to understand their motivations. The lust was pretty insta, but what is more romantic than NYC at a snowy holiday?
The love followed quickly, too. I started to think that it was too insta for Jonas to chuck his job for Sterling, but the way it was done showed he was still being pragmatic while being romantic. I liked their airport reunion and the sweet epilogue.
I’m glad that I reread this comfort story and am adding some stars.
November 23, 2022
This is a fun, low-angst insta-love holiday book that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy. Sterling is a bull-rider who was asked to throw his championship ride to make way for another cowboy to win. He refused, won the world championship and a million dollar purse. Now, he's being asked to travel and do publicity events for the rodeo organization.
While in NYC, he is connected with Jonas, whose job is to serve as his handler. He is tasked with making sure Jonas is comfortable in his hotel, has all the last-minute grooming, new clothes, and transportation. They both feel an immediate spark for the other, but neither is sure the other is even gay - until they are. Sparks fly, passion flows freely, and love comes quickly. Can these two men make it together when Sterling lives on his ranch in New Mexico and travels frequently?
This story takes place during the Christmas season. New Years Eve takes on special significance. This book has all of the sexy times, fun outings, and a forever love.
While in NYC, he is connected with Jonas, whose job is to serve as his handler. He is tasked with making sure Jonas is comfortable in his hotel, has all the last-minute grooming, new clothes, and transportation. They both feel an immediate spark for the other, but neither is sure the other is even gay - until they are. Sparks fly, passion flows freely, and love comes quickly. Can these two men make it together when Sterling lives on his ranch in New Mexico and travels frequently?
This story takes place during the Christmas season. New Years Eve takes on special significance. This book has all of the sexy times, fun outings, and a forever love.
June 27, 2023
This was a disappointment for me. It's not bad by any means, but it's also very unmemorable. The writing felt stiff and wooden at multiple points (“Oh, good call. I’ll see what we can do. Oh. Mozzarella sticks.” Jonas sipped his beer and then reached for the tray of food.) and every intimate interaction felt like going through the motions. The characters move inexplicably from meeting each other to being madly in love, proclaiming "I need you like breathing" after a couple of days. I know that's par for the course for lots of instalove books, it just felt extra OTT here since the characters were so generic. As other reviewers mentioned, this is billed as a Christmas book but has very little to deal with it.
November 30, 2022
Cowboy for Christmas
Another sweet tale from this amazing duo of authors. East meets West when the rookie bullrider, Sterling, on a promo tour in NYC is wrangled by PR man, Jonas. There are mixups and menacing rivals, mistakes are made by both men but once they find their footing, it's full steam ahead. A whirlwind holiday romance.
KU, contemporary, book in a series, cowboys, public relations, winter holiday
Another sweet tale from this amazing duo of authors. East meets West when the rookie bullrider, Sterling, on a promo tour in NYC is wrangled by PR man, Jonas. There are mixups and menacing rivals, mistakes are made by both men but once they find their footing, it's full steam ahead. A whirlwind holiday romance.
KU, contemporary, book in a series, cowboys, public relations, winter holiday
December 20, 2020
4.5 Stars
Even with the typos and editing glitches - and with one of the few things that actually make my skin crawl like fingernails scratching on a blackboard (in this case one man calling another ‘darlin’) - I couldn’t help loving both Sterling and Jason.
Set in New York City and the mountains of New Mexico and complete with two of the most honest, caring men I’ve read about in a long time, ‘Window Dressing’ by Jodi Payne and B.A, Tortuga is simply a wonderful holiday read.
Even with the typos and editing glitches - and with one of the few things that actually make my skin crawl like fingernails scratching on a blackboard (in this case one man calling another ‘darlin’) - I couldn’t help loving both Sterling and Jason.
Set in New York City and the mountains of New Mexico and complete with two of the most honest, caring men I’ve read about in a long time, ‘Window Dressing’ by Jodi Payne and B.A, Tortuga is simply a wonderful holiday read.
January 9, 2021
This story is sweet and extremely Christmas-y.
At first I didn’t really understand why Jonas disliked Sterling, because there were no specific reasons aside from the postponement of his vacation due to the arrival of the bull rider, and the fact that Sterling was a rookie not used to all the rules and tricks involved in the marketing activity in NYC, and both these reasons would have been futile and unprofessional if they were the ground of Jonas’s dislike of Sterling.
Once the initial lack of reciprocal interest was overcome, the way these two men finally hooked up was described in a very natural and common way as most one night stands happen, but once the first night was over, this is when the Christmas feeling kicks in and all the sweetness and romance started. So definitely not a slow build or angsty story, but more an 8 second ride from total stranger status to HEA.
P.S. the link between the title of the story and the storyline is quite unclear to me. I would have named it completely differently.
At first I didn’t really understand why Jonas disliked Sterling, because there were no specific reasons aside from the postponement of his vacation due to the arrival of the bull rider, and the fact that Sterling was a rookie not used to all the rules and tricks involved in the marketing activity in NYC, and both these reasons would have been futile and unprofessional if they were the ground of Jonas’s dislike of Sterling.
Once the initial lack of reciprocal interest was overcome, the way these two men finally hooked up was described in a very natural and common way as most one night stands happen, but once the first night was over, this is when the Christmas feeling kicks in and all the sweetness and romance started. So definitely not a slow build or angsty story, but more an 8 second ride from total stranger status to HEA.
P.S. the link between the title of the story and the storyline is quite unclear to me. I would have named it completely differently.
December 29, 2019
There are three things I usually don't go for in books: sweet, low angst and insta love. Well I'm really glad that I didn't miss this one. This fun, very well written and paced story kept my attention from the page one, actually I wouldn't mind if it was longer. The authors managed to make the love story which happens in a span of only few days believable. It was like watching a well done Christmas movie. East meets West with a touch of humor. I especially loved Sterling's internal musings at the beginning of the book. I'm actually hoping for a book 2, because I would really like to find out how their new found life treats them and especially how Jonas is adapting to a world that is so far apart from everything he'd known so far, that he may have as well landed on Mars... No one writes "black top cowboys" like this team of authors. Go for it!
October 12, 2021
Well, this sure was a little bit country... right smack dab in the middle of NYC!!! *grin*
I really enjoyed this one! Sterling was such a down-to-earth guy with morals to match... what more could a guy ask for? Jonas may have had a bad start, but that changed up pretty quick and yeah, love, at first sight, is real!
I was a bit worried that this would be all about the bull riding, but it ended up being all about the bull rider... which worked great for me! I will say that I was expecting this to be a Christmas story, and we did get a scene or two of that... but it was mostly a HEA New Years' Eve story, and wasn't that just a blast! This was a short, sweet read that just made you feel all warm inside!
I really enjoyed this one! Sterling was such a down-to-earth guy with morals to match... what more could a guy ask for? Jonas may have had a bad start, but that changed up pretty quick and yeah, love, at first sight, is real!
I was a bit worried that this would be all about the bull riding, but it ended up being all about the bull rider... which worked great for me! I will say that I was expecting this to be a Christmas story, and we did get a scene or two of that... but it was mostly a HEA New Years' Eve story, and wasn't that just a blast! This was a short, sweet read that just made you feel all warm inside!
December 12, 2019
A great first meeting for Jonas and Sterling even though there was mention in the air. Sterling was a newbie at the publicity he would get after winning but Jonas had him in hand, sort of lol. I could see these two would be fine..Not. The guys are total opposites Sterling is a cowboy where as Jonas was a city bloke. A slow romance over the week where they get to know each other and chemistry is sizzling. Ooh I loved the ending I'd wondered how they where gonna work out to be together. A great cowboy vs city romance.
Jonas was looking forward to a week of vacation time. But its gets cancelled from him to PR with a new bull rider champion while he was in town.
Jonas was looking forward to a week of vacation time. But its gets cancelled from him to PR with a new bull rider champion while he was in town.
September 23, 2022
Sweet story but Christmas doesn't really play much of a part.
QUICK THOUGHTS
** Holiday/Christmas (that doesn't factor in)
** Cowboy-Bull Rider/PA pairing
** Opposites attract
** Sweet
** No real drama
** One character is partially in the closet
** Not a slow burn but not insta love it's somewhere in between
** When the MCs do get together things escalate really quickly
** Likeable enough MCs... Sterling & Jonas
** I liked the story but I didn't love it
** I would have loved more of Gracie, she seemed like a great character
** The ending felt a bit abrupt
** There is an HEA but ending was a bit unsatisfying
December 4, 2024
Winning couldn't have been sweeter for Sterling when he's paired with Jonas to see him through his first media junket. Sterling is a championship bull rider and a cowboy through and through. Jonas can't believe that he's been saddled looking after a rough and tumble cowboy. He has to make him presentable for the media. These two shouldn't be compatible and they square off initially. When they start to find out more about each other something clicks. To make a good relationship you do need to look beyond the surface and the stereotypes. A very sweet Christmas story.
December 6, 2023
I liked Sterling immensely. The man's sense of honor manages to make him enemies. Finding himself in the middle of NYC, without a clue how to be part of the media circus, has him relying on Jonas. Despite Jonas's frustration, he is committed to making Sterling look good. It doesn't take long for them to see how good they are together. The ending is super satisfying.
Highly recommended author and series
Highly recommended author and series
July 2, 2024
Very light and nice read. In real life I have once visited New York and this book reminded me about those busy and happy winter days. The love story here was cute, there was pure happiness all the way.
Kiva ja keveä luettava. Kirja muistutti minulle mieleen talviset vauhdikkaat päivät kun oikeasti kävin New Yorkissa. Rakkaustarina kirjassa oli herttainen ja jotenkin niin puhtoinen: iloista luettavaa.
Kiva ja keveä luettava. Kirja muistutti minulle mieleen talviset vauhdikkaat päivät kun oikeasti kävin New Yorkissa. Rakkaustarina kirjassa oli herttainen ja jotenkin niin puhtoinen: iloista luettavaa.
October 26, 2020
3.3/5
Even though this story is not very seasonal because it's Halloween and not Christmas I quite enjoyed it. Good balance of opposites and taking a chance on love. Suits, boots, jeans threw together with NYC as the backdrop.
Recommended if you want to spend your holidays with a sweet romance book of taking a chance at love even sometimes seems to feel impossible.
Even though this story is not very seasonal because it's Halloween and not Christmas I quite enjoyed it. Good balance of opposites and taking a chance on love. Suits, boots, jeans threw together with NYC as the backdrop.
Recommended if you want to spend your holidays with a sweet romance book of taking a chance at love even sometimes seems to feel impossible.
December 21, 2019
Fantastic book! BA Tortuga and Jodi Payne are an amazing writing team! Window Dressing kept my attention from the beginning to the end. Loved Jonas and Sterling; I was glad they found their happily ever after.
December 26, 2019
A sweet little romance
Cowboys! Bullriders! And PR. A little bit fish out of water, a little bit cowboy up. Nobody writes cowboys better than B..A. A happy ending. A little bar fighting, and a little karoke.
Cowboys! Bullriders! And PR. A little bit fish out of water, a little bit cowboy up. Nobody writes cowboys better than B..A. A happy ending. A little bar fighting, and a little karoke.
March 18, 2020
A Fun Read!
The storyline has its moments and mostly leaves the reader with a happy holiday feeling. Good character development and some interesting supporting cast round out the story. Ends positive with a promise for the future.
The storyline has its moments and mostly leaves the reader with a happy holiday feeling. Good character development and some interesting supporting cast round out the story. Ends positive with a promise for the future.
September 13, 2020
A cute, easy to read story. As the reviews said, it’s really not a holiday story; it just takes place around the holidays. I did like it - nothing to deep, two likable MC’s and a quick relationship.
March 9, 2022
Another excellent East+West story by two of my favorite authors. Though this one doesn't have the same emotional impact as other books that share this concept, I still adored Sterling and Lucas and rooted for their happily ever after.
July 8, 2022
When Sterling "cowboys up", he makes some rodeo enemies. The League sends him to New York City for some public relation events. Luckily, he is assigned Jonas to guide him through the League events. Will Sterling and Jonas be able to overcome their differences and have a HEA?
August 29, 2022
Started off a little slow for me but I quickly found myself invested in Sterling and Jonas's story. I really liked that this was a whole new world for me. It was interesting to see the political side of the rodeo. I liked how Sterling and Jonas's relationship changed from animosity to begrudging acceptance to lust to love. I love a good underdog so I was super happy to see these guys come out on top and find happiness. And that epilogue was simply perfect.
November 23, 2022
Wow!!!
This was so good. I adore these guys. I was really concerned about what would happen to Sterling for a while there. Cody and the other A hole buddies plus that POS Masterdouche had me worried. I love how this ended.
This was so good. I adore these guys. I was really concerned about what would happen to Sterling for a while there. Cody and the other A hole buddies plus that POS Masterdouche had me worried. I love how this ended.
December 20, 2022
I love this story and the way their relationship develops. It starts with some misunderstanding and gets better from there. There were so many moments when things that I just wanted to cheer when things made a turn around for Sterling. The ending of this story was perfect.
December 7, 2023
Window Dressing
This was a great story. I really enjoyed the two main characters and how surprised they seemed by falling in love. It was quick, but they just couldn’t help it, and I loved that. There is also a wonderful HEA, so what could be better?
This was a great story. I really enjoyed the two main characters and how surprised they seemed by falling in love. It was quick, but they just couldn’t help it, and I loved that. There is also a wonderful HEA, so what could be better?
December 7, 2023
The clothes make the man, right?
Jonas’ job is all about his client’s appearance. Sterling’s a real cowboy, not a rhinestone cowboy. Enjoy their adventurous and passionate story! You’ll enjoy the real deal, too!!!
Jonas’ job is all about his client’s appearance. Sterling’s a real cowboy, not a rhinestone cowboy. Enjoy their adventurous and passionate story! You’ll enjoy the real deal, too!!!
November 18, 2020
A cowboy meets a city boy story with almost too much sweetness.
January 27, 2022
Kept me intrigued
At first I thought, I wouldn't like this book but as I got into or should I say as I was pulled into it, I loved every bit of it. Great book!
At first I thought, I wouldn't like this book but as I got into or should I say as I was pulled into it, I loved every bit of it. Great book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews