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The Puzzle Box
Elementary school art teacher Cole Peters is expecting a lonely Christmas this year while his longtime boyfriend, James Carducci, is on deployment with the Army. However, a box from James contains puzzles that lead Cole on a scavenger hunt through the greatest moments of their relationship. Together with his best friend Liz, Cole works his way through each clue. The final puzzle could lead Cole to a gift beyond his wildest expectations
34 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2017
1 person is currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
C.C. Bridges
37 books62 followersI love creating new worlds slightly off-center from our own. I'm a writer of scifi, fantasy and the paranormal.
Check out my webpage for excerpts and find out what I'm currently working on!
Check out my webpage for excerpts and find out what I'm currently working on!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 19, 2017
This story started off strong. I liked the sentiment of even though a loved one is far away they're never far from the other's thoughts and I loved the set up of James and Cole having been together since high school. There's something about sustaining a first love that makes me mawkish. The puzzle box was clever and ingenious and thoughtful and I loved how it made Cole reminisce about the beginnings of their relationship. It seemed to genuinely bring them closer together.
Very sweet and a nice introduction to this author for me.
A review copy was provided.
Very sweet and a nice introduction to this author for me.
A review copy was provided.
December 16, 2017
3.5 Stars
This little holiday short was truly lovely.
As Cole works his way through solving the connected puzzles his deployed boyfriend James has sent him for Christmas, each mystery takes Cole on a journey back through all the most precious moments of his and James' long-lasting relationship.
At the heart of it, this story was ridiculously romantic. It left me feeling light and happy, and I can't ask for much more than that.
This little holiday short was truly lovely.
As Cole works his way through solving the connected puzzles his deployed boyfriend James has sent him for Christmas, each mystery takes Cole on a journey back through all the most precious moments of his and James' long-lasting relationship.
At the heart of it, this story was ridiculously romantic. It left me feeling light and happy, and I can't ask for much more than that.
December 31, 2019
3.5 Hearts
This is exactly what the blurb says. Cole is missing James something fierce and James’s surprise scavenger hunt is just the thing to lessen the pain of not having him there for the holidays. The journey and surprise awaiting Cole at the end is oh so gratifying.
Another sweet, with a dash of sexy, established couples story that gave me some great Christmas feels!!
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
For more reviews on this week’s Advent releases, please check out the blog!!
This is exactly what the blurb says. Cole is missing James something fierce and James’s surprise scavenger hunt is just the thing to lessen the pain of not having him there for the holidays. The journey and surprise awaiting Cole at the end is oh so gratifying.
Another sweet, with a dash of sexy, established couples story that gave me some great Christmas feels!!
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
For more reviews on this week’s Advent releases, please check out the blog!!
December 12, 2017
4.5 Hearts for The Puzzle Box
Oh story, I love you.
The tale of Cole and James and basically, their future, gave me all the warm fuzzies. James has been deployed for the majority of their adult relationship and Cole misses him terribly but supports him unconditionally. James has a Christmas surprise for Cole and starts sending him puzzles to solve and sends him on a scavenger hunt through the history of their relationship. The flashbacks Cole had at each spot gave insight to their history and I’d forget that James hadn’t even technically made an appearance yet. I still felt like I knew him through Cole’s nostalgic memories. First meeting, first kiss, so many truly adorable firsts. James dragged Cole into the Christmas spirit remotely even though Cole wasn’t feeling it at all. Cole had his friend Liz there, who I dug on immensely, encouraging and sharing the adventure which gave a good outlet for everything Cole was feeling. Sharing it seemed to make it even more special. The culmination of the hunt and the prize for solving the puzzle was pretty obvious, but it didn’t make it any less sweet and Cole’s gift to James was swoon worthy at the end. I’m a sucker for homecoming stories and this one was perfect for me.
**copies of the DSP Advent Calendar were provided in exchange for honest reviews**
Oh story, I love you.
The tale of Cole and James and basically, their future, gave me all the warm fuzzies. James has been deployed for the majority of their adult relationship and Cole misses him terribly but supports him unconditionally. James has a Christmas surprise for Cole and starts sending him puzzles to solve and sends him on a scavenger hunt through the history of their relationship. The flashbacks Cole had at each spot gave insight to their history and I’d forget that James hadn’t even technically made an appearance yet. I still felt like I knew him through Cole’s nostalgic memories. First meeting, first kiss, so many truly adorable firsts. James dragged Cole into the Christmas spirit remotely even though Cole wasn’t feeling it at all. Cole had his friend Liz there, who I dug on immensely, encouraging and sharing the adventure which gave a good outlet for everything Cole was feeling. Sharing it seemed to make it even more special. The culmination of the hunt and the prize for solving the puzzle was pretty obvious, but it didn’t make it any less sweet and Cole’s gift to James was swoon worthy at the end. I’m a sucker for homecoming stories and this one was perfect for me.
**copies of the DSP Advent Calendar were provided in exchange for honest reviews**
December 12, 2017
This book was everything I expected it to be. We are there when Cole and James first meet. We watch them fumble and find themselves and each other. We pine with them when they are apart. And through all the memories we feel that deep all encompassing love these two men have for each other.
A truly beautiful read.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review
December 19, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
I adored this story from word one. It’s fairly short, but Bridges manages to pack a lot into it. With the flashbacks to Cole and James in their younger days, the story feels more fleshed out than it would have otherwise. There’s a sweetness here that’s really lovely, and I enjoyed the juxtaposition of Cole’s sadness with all the happy memories. It gave the story a lot of depth.
Yes, the ending it predicable, but in the best possible way. There’s no way this story could have gone any other way, and it’s entirely satisfying. I really loved this story. Gifts, love, and the joyful spirit of the season all combine to make a really lovely story.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4 stars
I adored this story from word one. It’s fairly short, but Bridges manages to pack a lot into it. With the flashbacks to Cole and James in their younger days, the story feels more fleshed out than it would have otherwise. There’s a sweetness here that’s really lovely, and I enjoyed the juxtaposition of Cole’s sadness with all the happy memories. It gave the story a lot of depth.
Yes, the ending it predicable, but in the best possible way. There’s no way this story could have gone any other way, and it’s entirely satisfying. I really loved this story. Gifts, love, and the joyful spirit of the season all combine to make a really lovely story.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
November 26, 2017
Cute story. It was obvious where the story was going from the beginning but it was still sweet and was a nice, little Christmas story. I enjoyed it.
December 9, 2017
The Puzzle Box was a sweet holiday story about a young couple spending their Christmas apart from one another. The story is told entirely from Cole’s point-of-view and focuses on his emotions over being without his boyfriend this holiday season. Though the author captured the Cole’s loneliness well, the story never felt weighed down or depressing, focusing instead on all those warm fuzzy feelings memories provide. I found Cole likable and could have easily been invested in his story alone, but I really liked that the reflections of how he and James got together provided significant background on James and gave me a good sense of them as a couple.
I hadn’t read this author before but I liked her writing style. The pacing was good and kept my interest with a flowing dialogue and narrative, and I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to read more by Miss Bridges. Though there weren’t any real surprises for me, I liked how this story reflected on the long-standing love a couple has even when they’ve had to be separated for long periods of time. I thought the flashbacks melded well into the present tense, making it easy to imagine the spark between Cole and James. This was one of those holiday stories packed with feel good moments that capture the magic of the season.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
I hadn’t read this author before but I liked her writing style. The pacing was good and kept my interest with a flowing dialogue and narrative, and I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to read more by Miss Bridges. Though there weren’t any real surprises for me, I liked how this story reflected on the long-standing love a couple has even when they’ve had to be separated for long periods of time. I thought the flashbacks melded well into the present tense, making it easy to imagine the spark between Cole and James. This was one of those holiday stories packed with feel good moments that capture the magic of the season.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
December 9, 2017
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
I love romantic Christmas novellas, as they bring all the magic and excitement of Christmas to life with plenty of heartwarming passion.
This is a really fun story, with a super romantic ending. It was lovely in part because the men had a long history, and so there was no issue of instalove - although I was confused that Cole didn't have any knowledge of the decision that James had taken. But other than that, it was perfect.
I love romantic Christmas novellas, as they bring all the magic and excitement of Christmas to life with plenty of heartwarming passion.
This is a really fun story, with a super romantic ending. It was lovely in part because the men had a long history, and so there was no issue of instalove - although I was confused that Cole didn't have any knowledge of the decision that James had taken. But other than that, it was perfect.
December 10, 2017
I enjoyed this story. It's cute and adorable. The type of book you would like to read when you need a dream come true, with a little puzzle play.
Having a long distance relationship is never easy, especially when you have your love ones as an ARMY, and never know where he is at the moment every time he's been deployed.
But James has a little surprise for Cole, not an easy one because Cole has to 'guess' what James hiding from him.
Enjoyable and fun. And a promise of HEA!
December 17, 2017
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
This was a delightful short holiday story in which Cole, artist and elementary art teacher, is not looking forward to the Christmas holiday this year because his lover and best friend, James, is a soldier deployed overseas. I was immediately able to relate to this, having had a family member deployed in a war zone over the holidays thirteen years ago.
Cole at least has his BFF, Liz, to keep him company and to nag him into eating and shopping, two things that are way too boring without James. When Cole receives a box from James in early December, it takes him a short time to figure out that James is going to lead him on a Scavenger Hunt to what will ultimately be his best Christmas present ever! Along the way, though, there are stops at locations where the two men had firsts: first kiss, first dinner after moving in together, etc.
As I stated earlier, this one is delightful. I’m impressed by this author who is new to me. The characters are well developed, the plot is thoughtful and interesting, and the ending is everything I would hope for in a holiday romance. I highly recommend this stocking stuffer to all lovers of MM romance and if you have a spot in your heart for those serving their country away from home, this one is perfect to lift your spirits.
This was a delightful short holiday story in which Cole, artist and elementary art teacher, is not looking forward to the Christmas holiday this year because his lover and best friend, James, is a soldier deployed overseas. I was immediately able to relate to this, having had a family member deployed in a war zone over the holidays thirteen years ago.
Cole at least has his BFF, Liz, to keep him company and to nag him into eating and shopping, two things that are way too boring without James. When Cole receives a box from James in early December, it takes him a short time to figure out that James is going to lead him on a Scavenger Hunt to what will ultimately be his best Christmas present ever! Along the way, though, there are stops at locations where the two men had firsts: first kiss, first dinner after moving in together, etc.
As I stated earlier, this one is delightful. I’m impressed by this author who is new to me. The characters are well developed, the plot is thoughtful and interesting, and the ending is everything I would hope for in a holiday romance. I highly recommend this stocking stuffer to all lovers of MM romance and if you have a spot in your heart for those serving their country away from home, this one is perfect to lift your spirits.
December 17, 2017
Stories about couples who are separated during the holidays due to the jobs they do, like James being a soldier deployed who-knows-where, always break my heart before they even begin. I totally felt for Cole, who is an elementary school art teacher as well as an artist in his own right – he doesn’t even know where James is because the stuff James does is top secret. NOT a good start to Cole’s Christmas season.
But then a sign of hope appears in the form of a box containing a piece of a puzzle and a hint that there may be more – puzzle pieces for Cole to find, that is. Each step in the exciting scavenger hunt that follows represents a moment in his and James’s relationship… do you see where this is going? Well I did, but Cole seems oblivious until the last moment and I so enjoyed his big reveal!
If you like puzzles and scavenger hunts with a purpose, if you enjoy a somewhat suspenseful lead-up to Christmas, and if you’re looking for a fun read with an absolutely lovely ending, then you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
But then a sign of hope appears in the form of a box containing a piece of a puzzle and a hint that there may be more – puzzle pieces for Cole to find, that is. Each step in the exciting scavenger hunt that follows represents a moment in his and James’s relationship… do you see where this is going? Well I did, but Cole seems oblivious until the last moment and I so enjoyed his big reveal!
If you like puzzles and scavenger hunts with a purpose, if you enjoy a somewhat suspenseful lead-up to Christmas, and if you’re looking for a fun read with an absolutely lovely ending, then you will probably like this short story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
November 26, 2019
This is a really short story, but every thing you look for in a happy ever after Christmas story. Cole is having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit with his love, James, stationed over seas during Christmas. The puzzle box that is referred to in the title is a very creative scavenger hunt put together for Cole by James that is very romantic. It was a lovely way to spend half an hour.
December 17, 2017
I thought this was VERY romantic!! The idea of James -- who is deployed during this year's holiday season -- giving all those clues and puzzle boxes to his boyfriend, Cole, so that Cole can remember their important moments together brightens my day and warms my heart *sigh in contentment*.
Definitely one of my favorites from this year's collection!!
Definitely one of my favorites from this year's collection!!
November 9, 2018
Such a sweet story. I mean, what do you expect from a 31 page holiday story. I liked it and am glad that the end was slightly different than I predicted when I started the story.
:-)
:-)
June 24, 2022
Sweet as Christmas candy!
Read
December 19, 20174 Hearts
Super sweet story about absence making the heart grow fonder even when it makes you slightly miserable being alone.
James and Cole have been together since high school when James saved Cole from a group of bullies. As the boys became friends, they both realized they wanted to be more. They’ve stuck together through college and beyond but James is now in the Army and currently deployed. It’s taken its toll on Cole and he misses the love of his life something fierce.
When a mysterious package arrives for Cole from James with a Christmas mystery attached to the items inside, Cole is set upon finding out what James has planned for him. They adventure of James’ puzzle allows Cole to reminiscence about them, about all their firsts and about their love. It was a pleasure to see how much these two loved one another. Sure, this ended how I hoped it would but even though I hoped, I still had that bit of anxiety it wouldn’t go there.
This was so sweet and made my heart full, just as a Christmas story should.
The Unicorns are at it again! We’re reviewing the Dreamspinner 2017 Advent Calendar every Sunday, on the blog to see who loves the holiday reads and who would rather get coal in their stockings. Check out the rest of the reviews for this story here, to see which side of the Advent celebration the uni’s claim.
Super sweet story about absence making the heart grow fonder even when it makes you slightly miserable being alone.
James and Cole have been together since high school when James saved Cole from a group of bullies. As the boys became friends, they both realized they wanted to be more. They’ve stuck together through college and beyond but James is now in the Army and currently deployed. It’s taken its toll on Cole and he misses the love of his life something fierce.
“I feel like I’m on a tour of the greatest hits of Cole and James’s relationship.”
When a mysterious package arrives for Cole from James with a Christmas mystery attached to the items inside, Cole is set upon finding out what James has planned for him. They adventure of James’ puzzle allows Cole to reminiscence about them, about all their firsts and about their love. It was a pleasure to see how much these two loved one another. Sure, this ended how I hoped it would but even though I hoped, I still had that bit of anxiety it wouldn’t go there.
This was so sweet and made my heart full, just as a Christmas story should.
*************************************
The Unicorns are at it again! We’re reviewing the Dreamspinner 2017 Advent Calendar every Sunday, on the blog to see who loves the holiday reads and who would rather get coal in their stockings. Check out the rest of the reviews for this story here, to see which side of the Advent celebration the uni’s claim.
December 17, 2017
OMG, yes! This story is everything! Gah! It was so darn Christmas-miracle sweet that I’m still grinning. God I love me a good Christmas story!
James and Cole first met in high school when James saved Cole from a group of bullies. They became best of friends and it wasn’t long before they shared their first kiss and were officially boyfriends. Together all through college, James was there for Cole when his mother died, their school boy love growing into something much more mature. But James needed the military’s money to get through college, and straight after graduation the two lovers were split up when James was deployed overseas.
Now, when I say split up, I mean physically, because nothing and no one was actually going to emotionally separate these men. Through five years of military service, James and Cole spent as much time together as they could, but now Cole is facing his first Christmas without James at home.
It’s very obvious right from the start where this story is heading, so I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that we get through about 80% of this story before James even makes an appearance. Except through Cole’s flashbacks. Now no moaning! These flashbacks are beautifully sweet memories of James and Cole’s lives together. Right back to that first kiss. Even though we don’t meet James until the end, the love between these characters is absolutely clear. The almost depressed state that Cole is existing in as the holidays get closer and the extraordinary lengths that James goes to to cheer him up are perfectly written to lodge these men straight into your heart. And the detail that the author put into such a short story! I absolutely loved the puzzles and clues that Cole had to solve. Then to finish off we get the fairytale ending that sees Cole present James with the most awesome of gifts!
Even though it’s only thirty four pages, this is my favourite Christmas story so far this year!
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2017/12/1...
James and Cole first met in high school when James saved Cole from a group of bullies. They became best of friends and it wasn’t long before they shared their first kiss and were officially boyfriends. Together all through college, James was there for Cole when his mother died, their school boy love growing into something much more mature. But James needed the military’s money to get through college, and straight after graduation the two lovers were split up when James was deployed overseas.
Now, when I say split up, I mean physically, because nothing and no one was actually going to emotionally separate these men. Through five years of military service, James and Cole spent as much time together as they could, but now Cole is facing his first Christmas without James at home.
It’s very obvious right from the start where this story is heading, so I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that we get through about 80% of this story before James even makes an appearance. Except through Cole’s flashbacks. Now no moaning! These flashbacks are beautifully sweet memories of James and Cole’s lives together. Right back to that first kiss. Even though we don’t meet James until the end, the love between these characters is absolutely clear. The almost depressed state that Cole is existing in as the holidays get closer and the extraordinary lengths that James goes to to cheer him up are perfectly written to lodge these men straight into your heart. And the detail that the author put into such a short story! I absolutely loved the puzzles and clues that Cole had to solve. Then to finish off we get the fairytale ending that sees Cole present James with the most awesome of gifts!
Even though it’s only thirty four pages, this is my favourite Christmas story so far this year!
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2017/12/1...
December 20, 2017
Cole Peters is an elementary art teacher. His character has all the qualities of the best kind of teacher, purple snowflakes and all. His boyfriend James is deployed overseas, and because of the nature of his job, Cole doesn’t get to see him much, or communicate with him on a regular basis. All the sympathy points go straight to this guy for how he keeps the home-fires burning, and his love and trust in James stays absolute. This year he hasn’t heard from James in a while, and Cole is resigned to spending Christmas alone. Cole’s best friend is Liz, and for a secondary character she has a strong voice. She keeps Cole from becoming depressed, and supports him and James in ways that they can only see in hindsight.
James Carducci fell in love with Cole Peters when they were in high school. Cole was his first everything, and if James has anything to say about it, Cole will be his forever. He’s trying to send a Christmas surprise Cole’s way, by reminding him of all their best memories together. A scavenger hunt is just the ticket to remind Cole, from far away, that James loves him and will be home soon.
James doesn’t get much page time in this story. After all, it is about the puzzle box and the journey they take Cole on. But even without his actual presence, James is all over the page. This was a bittersweet story of longing, and a HEA that satisfies. The Puzzle Box is a perfect short holiday story that reminded me of the Christmas carol I’ll be Home for Christmas. The pacing is well done, the emotions are well telegraphed, and the characters are believable. My only regret with this book is that the journey wasn’t long enough. I highly recommend reading this one with a cup of hot cocoa; then you will be full of marshmallows and happy feels.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
James Carducci fell in love with Cole Peters when they were in high school. Cole was his first everything, and if James has anything to say about it, Cole will be his forever. He’s trying to send a Christmas surprise Cole’s way, by reminding him of all their best memories together. A scavenger hunt is just the ticket to remind Cole, from far away, that James loves him and will be home soon.
James doesn’t get much page time in this story. After all, it is about the puzzle box and the journey they take Cole on. But even without his actual presence, James is all over the page. This was a bittersweet story of longing, and a HEA that satisfies. The Puzzle Box is a perfect short holiday story that reminded me of the Christmas carol I’ll be Home for Christmas. The pacing is well done, the emotions are well telegraphed, and the characters are believable. My only regret with this book is that the journey wasn’t long enough. I highly recommend reading this one with a cup of hot cocoa; then you will be full of marshmallows and happy feels.
“Merry Christmas.”
Cole could feel the tears well up, even as he grabbed James and held him close. Is this real? He breathed deeply, taking in James’s scent even over the ocean air. He didn’t realize he was shaking until James pulled away and cupped Cole’s face in his hands. “Cole, are you all right?”
“I’m fine. Of course I’m fine. You’re here.”
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
December 14, 2017
This was a lovely story of a tender Christmas gesture of a soldier to his love. Cole is blue without James--is in a bit of a depression really--when James begins to give him a special gift through puzzles while stationed far from home. The uniqueness of some of the puzzles and the destinations made this a fun story. The warmth and caring that James's present gives is also clearly felt. I loved seeing these sweet moments of the men's relationship as each clue was solved. It was easy to guess where the clues were all leading but still done in a unique way with a bit of surprising twist. A great read for those missing someone at Christmas or for someone looking for a really sweet, romantic read. I usually don't give such short works more than three stars but, if this had been a longer work of equal quality and feeling, I would have easily given it four stars.
December 19, 2017
Lovely story of a teacher who is missing his boyfriend who is deployed overseas at the holidays. Cole, an art teacher, is alone at Christmas for the first time and though he has always accepted and supported his boyfriend's military service, he can't help but feel lonely. Then he receives a series of boxes and clues from his boyfriend. The clues lead him to moments of their love story.
This was really well done without being maudlin or cheesy or sappy. I really liked this story.
This was really well done without being maudlin or cheesy or sappy. I really liked this story.
January 15, 2018
This was so cute and creative and fun! I absolutely loved this. The idea of the scavenger hunt was a blast, and I loved getting to know about how James and Cole got together and formed a life together. Great short story.
March 6, 2018
Super quick read!
I enjoyed the clues and trip down memory lane for Cole.
Cole is a little bit grumpy as can be expected when apart at holidays, so when he reaches the end of the treasure hunt, it is all lovely!!
Nice Christmas short.
I enjoyed the clues and trip down memory lane for Cole.
Cole is a little bit grumpy as can be expected when apart at holidays, so when he reaches the end of the treasure hunt, it is all lovely!!
Nice Christmas short.
December 26, 2017
This is such a romantic story. James goes to so much trouble to help remind Cole of what brought them together. I love the surprise at the end of the quest.
December 13, 2017
Puzzle Box was pulling, well written short romance. I enjoyed reading it. Ending was awesome!
December 31, 2017
Story plot will be rated with 3 stars because it's a shorty otherwise its beautiful.
January 11, 2018
Cute fun story with likeable mc's.
December 10, 2017
4.5 Stars
The Puzzle Box was just pure fluff and I adored it. Despite Cole and James being thousands of miles apart, James still manages to bring some Christmas spirit to his love and show him that he's never alone.
I adored these characters and I loved so much that this book was at least mildly realistic. James and Cole were just regular guys trying to get through a rough time apart. It wasn't as though James hated the Army, he just hated that they had to spend so much time apart. They'd been together for a long time and clearly have an expansive history at the beginning of the book, so this wasn't an insta-love Christmas "miracle." James went through a lot of work to set up the scavenger hunt for Cole and it was absolutely adorable.
And since the scavenger hunt took Cole to places significant to their relationship, as a reader, you get to experience all of the best parts of their relationship without committing to a 300 page novel. You get the short and sweet of it without all of the not-so-great moments I'm sure they had to work their way through.
James' surprise at the end of the scavenger hunt was a little predictable, but that didn't make the book any less enjoyable. I really loved reading this one and I'm interested in taking a look at C.C. Bridges' other works. I need this as a full length book. If anyone has recs, let me hear 'em!
The Puzzle Box was just pure fluff and I adored it. Despite Cole and James being thousands of miles apart, James still manages to bring some Christmas spirit to his love and show him that he's never alone.
I adored these characters and I loved so much that this book was at least mildly realistic. James and Cole were just regular guys trying to get through a rough time apart. It wasn't as though James hated the Army, he just hated that they had to spend so much time apart. They'd been together for a long time and clearly have an expansive history at the beginning of the book, so this wasn't an insta-love Christmas "miracle." James went through a lot of work to set up the scavenger hunt for Cole and it was absolutely adorable.
And since the scavenger hunt took Cole to places significant to their relationship, as a reader, you get to experience all of the best parts of their relationship without committing to a 300 page novel. You get the short and sweet of it without all of the not-so-great moments I'm sure they had to work their way through.
James' surprise at the end of the scavenger hunt was a little predictable, but that didn't make the book any less enjoyable. I really loved reading this one and I'm interested in taking a look at C.C. Bridges' other works. I need this as a full length book. If anyone has recs, let me hear 'em!
March 26, 2020
I can’t imagine the pain that loved ones of active duty, deployed military personnel suffer during the holiday season. The stress and worry over their safety is simply magnified by the thought they won’t be with you and the rest of your loved ones. Or, in Cole and James’s case, Cole will have to spend the holidays without his soul mate for the first time in five years. That alone had me hoping and wishing right from the beginning of the read that somehow these two men might get a little holiday magic coming their way.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews