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The Scent of Pine
Ashton Cross was stupid enough to fall out a window while trying to catch a criminal. Now he’s on sick leave and has been for weeks, and has nothing to do but watch his neighbors go about their day. It’s driving him insane. When he gets a Christmas card not meant for him, he doesn’t think much of it, but then there is another and another, all with the same motif.
For two years, Rafael Vidal has been hiding from his ex. He almost believed he’d gotten away when his neighbor knocks on his door to hand over a stack of Christmas cards. One look at the writing, and Rafael suspects he has been found.
When Ashton understands the situation, he’s set on catching Rafael’s ex. He might not be ready to get back to active duty at the police station, but finally, he has something to do, and he doesn’t mind keeping Rafael close. Rafael is trying to distract himself by helping Ashton put up Christmas decorations, but will they be able to enjoy Christmas with his stalker ex lurking around the corner?
For two years, Rafael Vidal has been hiding from his ex. He almost believed he’d gotten away when his neighbor knocks on his door to hand over a stack of Christmas cards. One look at the writing, and Rafael suspects he has been found.
When Ashton understands the situation, he’s set on catching Rafael’s ex. He might not be ready to get back to active duty at the police station, but finally, he has something to do, and he doesn’t mind keeping Rafael close. Rafael is trying to distract himself by helping Ashton put up Christmas decorations, but will they be able to enjoy Christmas with his stalker ex lurking around the corner?
70 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2021
3 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Holly Day
71 books158 followersAccording to Holly Day, no day should go by uncelebrated and all of them deserve a story. If she’ll have the time to write them remains to be seen. She lives in rural Sweden with a husband, four children, more pets than most, and wouldn’t last a day without coffee.
Holly gets up at the crack of dawn most days of the week to write gay romance stories. She believes in equality in fiction and in real life. Diversity matters. Representation matters. Visibility matters. We can change the world one story at the time.
Holly gets up at the crack of dawn most days of the week to write gay romance stories. She believes in equality in fiction and in real life. Diversity matters. Representation matters. Visibility matters. We can change the world one story at the time.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 6, 2021
So sweet but also filled with suspense!
4.5 stars rounded up to 5!
The author did a wonderful job of packing a heck of a lot into a short work. Packed with sweet moments between the two MCs, while building the suspense, then a climactic scene and an awesome HEA! Writing this through eyes filled with happy tears.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5!
The author did a wonderful job of packing a heck of a lot into a short work. Packed with sweet moments between the two MCs, while building the suspense, then a climactic scene and an awesome HEA! Writing this through eyes filled with happy tears.
December 6, 2021
I won’t lie, I found this a little bit stressful. LOL This is nicely done, sweet romance, with a great building of suspense. In a sea of holiday stories, it’s awesome to find the unexpected.
Who doesn’t love a little danger this their eggnog?
Who doesn’t love a little danger this their eggnog?
December 16, 2021
I liked The Scent of Pine by Holly Day. I liked Ashton and Rafael. I loved the little details like Ashton going out in his socks cause it took too long to put on his shoes with his injured side. I also loved his sister, Megan. And how much she was around to help Ashton. I liked how much Rafael enjoys putting up holiday decorations.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 17, 2021
This is a well written book with strong characters and an emotional story line. The author packs a ton in this short story and delivers a terrific magical Christmas to Ashton and Rafael. I loved reading their story and would recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
December 7, 2021
So I am continually bowled over by Holly Day's versatility. This one is a combination of mystery, romantic suspense and the holidays with a somewhat off the page focus on abuse. Rafael has been hiding from Blake for two years. He's moved, changed his name and limits his outside activities. His neighbor, Ashton, a cop who is recovering from injuries sustained in the line of duty, starts receiving oddly worded Xmas cards that appear to be meant for Rafael. I read another of Ms. Day's books with a romantic suspense-like plot and had issues with it. This, however, was done well. Way to build the mystery and suspense! Every time someone knocked on the door, I jumped in my seat! I was a little worried about the speed of the development of the relationship between Rafael and Ash but it sort of worked. But a lovely holiday book with a satisfying and realistic HEA. From Ash "Peace settled in his chest. It was warm and cheerful in the house, and he was with the people he loved the most. Life was good."
December 12, 2021
Rafael and Ashton are a nice couple. It was an interesting dynamic watching Ashton navigate around Rafael's past relationship triggers while attempting to help him. It was intense watching the story unfold with Rafael's stalker ex. The sweetness of putting up Christmas decorations to help distract Rafael from his issues and seeing the love grow between Ashton and Rafael was a nice blend.
December 18, 2021
Sometimes you just Gotta stop running
Rafael has been on the runner for two years. He who is running from his ex who had been mentally abusing him for so long. To the point that he wouldn’t let him eat or drink if he wasn’t there he’d lost so much weight. He knew he had to get out of there. He went to the police but there was nothing they could do as he had vanished into thin air. But still Rafael moved, changed his name and hid in his apartment only leaving at night time getting food delivered.
Ashton is a Cop but he had been injured in the line of duty and was very lucky to be alive. And it was driving him insane being at home. He could hardly stand on his leg but thankfully Megan, his sister was a blessing she came over and helped him every day. When postcards started to arrive Ash knew they were coming to the wrong address, the postman was obviously dyslexic. But he kept putting off going over the road to return them to the right person and then he noticed that they were getting a bit threatening. When he finally made it across the road he knew when he saw somebody who had been abused And decided to keep an eye on him. Later that night when he sees Rafael about to run Ashton can’t help but go out there and ask him to come inside to explain what is going on. What would happen we need to spend time together?? I his Ex finally given up??
I really enjoyed this book and light Ashton and Rafael. I also really enjoyed the banter between Megan and Ash. And how quickly she accepted and Rafael. It was horrible to see how the abuse had affected him. Mental abuse can sometimes be worse than physical abuse and it shows in this book. But I really enjoyed the connection that they had. And how Ash bought him out of the his shell. I can’t wait to read more from Holly Day.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rafael has been on the runner for two years. He who is running from his ex who had been mentally abusing him for so long. To the point that he wouldn’t let him eat or drink if he wasn’t there he’d lost so much weight. He knew he had to get out of there. He went to the police but there was nothing they could do as he had vanished into thin air. But still Rafael moved, changed his name and hid in his apartment only leaving at night time getting food delivered.
Ashton is a Cop but he had been injured in the line of duty and was very lucky to be alive. And it was driving him insane being at home. He could hardly stand on his leg but thankfully Megan, his sister was a blessing she came over and helped him every day. When postcards started to arrive Ash knew they were coming to the wrong address, the postman was obviously dyslexic. But he kept putting off going over the road to return them to the right person and then he noticed that they were getting a bit threatening. When he finally made it across the road he knew when he saw somebody who had been abused And decided to keep an eye on him. Later that night when he sees Rafael about to run Ashton can’t help but go out there and ask him to come inside to explain what is going on. What would happen we need to spend time together?? I his Ex finally given up??
I really enjoyed this book and light Ashton and Rafael. I also really enjoyed the banter between Megan and Ash. And how quickly she accepted and Rafael. It was horrible to see how the abuse had affected him. Mental abuse can sometimes be worse than physical abuse and it shows in this book. But I really enjoyed the connection that they had. And how Ash bought him out of the his shell. I can’t wait to read more from Holly Day.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2021
Ashton and Rafael . . .
The characters were really wonderful and their interactions were so real.
Ashton Cross is a cop who, in the performance of his duty, fell out a window as he chased a criminal. He has been home on sick leave for weeks and is bored. He gets a Christmas card wrongly delivered in his mailbox and doesn’t think much of it. But when they arrived every other day or so, it was a bit odd. And the tone of the message seemed to be getting a bit threatening.
Rafael Vidal has been on the run and hiding from Blake, his ex, for two years. Every day he is fearful. When a neighbor knocks on his door with misdeliverd Christmas cards listing his apartment number, he was pretty sure it was Blake’s writing. Terrified, he realizes he has been found and is in danger.
Ashton could tell something was wrong by the way Rafael was acting. Rafael doesn’t trust easily, but Ashton is determined to keep him safe and to catch Blake. Decorating for Christmas and being around each other, the two gets closer and have feelings for each other. Will they catch Rafael’s abusive stalker before he makes a move on Rafael?
This story was beautifully presented by the author who allowed the reader to vividly feel the emotions and the suspense. There was so much emotional turmoil which did keep things suspenseful as we knew Blake was out there and menacing. And with Ashton injured, I kept worrying about him as well. Grab your copy and see if the bad guy gets what’s coming to him so we can see if there is a Christmas miracle and HEA waiting for the two good guys.
The characters were really wonderful and their interactions were so real.
Ashton Cross is a cop who, in the performance of his duty, fell out a window as he chased a criminal. He has been home on sick leave for weeks and is bored. He gets a Christmas card wrongly delivered in his mailbox and doesn’t think much of it. But when they arrived every other day or so, it was a bit odd. And the tone of the message seemed to be getting a bit threatening.
Rafael Vidal has been on the run and hiding from Blake, his ex, for two years. Every day he is fearful. When a neighbor knocks on his door with misdeliverd Christmas cards listing his apartment number, he was pretty sure it was Blake’s writing. Terrified, he realizes he has been found and is in danger.
Ashton could tell something was wrong by the way Rafael was acting. Rafael doesn’t trust easily, but Ashton is determined to keep him safe and to catch Blake. Decorating for Christmas and being around each other, the two gets closer and have feelings for each other. Will they catch Rafael’s abusive stalker before he makes a move on Rafael?
This story was beautifully presented by the author who allowed the reader to vividly feel the emotions and the suspense. There was so much emotional turmoil which did keep things suspenseful as we knew Blake was out there and menacing. And with Ashton injured, I kept worrying about him as well. Grab your copy and see if the bad guy gets what’s coming to him so we can see if there is a Christmas miracle and HEA waiting for the two good guys.
January 3, 2022
This is another excellent story by the author. Her books are always well written and a joy to read. This book is no different. This is the story of Ashton Cross and Rafael Vidal. Ashton is a police officer who is home recovering from an accident on the job. He is slowly healing and time off work is driving his crazy. He receives a misaddressed Christmas Card. He thinks nothing of it. Puts it aside for his sister to return. But by the time the fifth card arrives, his spidey sense is tingling. He thinks that they are a threat and wants to see if he is imagining things. Rafael is a man in hiding. He escaped his ex two years ago and has been hiding ever since. He remains inside at all times to stay hidden. When Ashton slowly goes over to return the misaddress cards he sees that he was right. Rafael's reaction confirmed it for Ashton. He knows that Ashton is going to run so he waits and stops him. He invites him into his house. Explaining that he is police officer and that it is the safest place for Rafael right now. Slowly they both begin to learn about each other. This is their story. Of course the evil ex makes an appearance. But there is a happy ever after in the end. I really enjoyed this story. It is well written and easy to read. I liked the mix of suspense and romance. Not your typical love story but that is why I loved it so much.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 22, 2021
Rafael is in hiding from his over-controlling ex. He ran from him and has been hiding for two years, living in fear that his ex will find him. The police could do nothing since there was no physical abuse. His ex's mother is also very powerful and covers up for her son.Then one day his sexy neighbor across the street comes to his apartment door. He has Christmas cards for Rafael that were misdelivered to him. Rafael is wary about letting Ashton into his apaertment and when he sees the cards, his worst nightmare has come true. His ex has found him. Rafael tries to hide his fear from Ashton and plans to leave after dark before his ex can arrive. As he is sneaking out, Ashton catches him. Ashton convinces Rafael to move in with him while he tries to take care of the ex.
Ashton was a policeman who was on disability leave. In a fight with a suspect, they both fell out a window. The criminal died but Ashton is slowly recovering use of his legs again. The Christmas cards that were misdelvered set off his cop instincts. Even though they aren't overtly threatening, they had the sound of a hidden threat. He decides to deliver them to Rafael and observe his reactions. When he sees the fear in his face, he is determined to help him out.
This is a great holdiay story. I received a copy of this story and this is my honest review.
Ashton was a policeman who was on disability leave. In a fight with a suspect, they both fell out a window. The criminal died but Ashton is slowly recovering use of his legs again. The Christmas cards that were misdelvered set off his cop instincts. Even though they aren't overtly threatening, they had the sound of a hidden threat. He decides to deliver them to Rafael and observe his reactions. When he sees the fear in his face, he is determined to help him out.
This is a great holdiay story. I received a copy of this story and this is my honest review.
December 10, 2021
I absolutely loved this story. I don't know how she does it but Holly Day can take a short read and pack a heck of a lot of character development, world building, and feelings in. This story has a little bit of angst and heartache but it has the best HEA. Rafael is hiding from an emotionally and mentally abusive ex. When his sexy cop neighbor, who's on leave recovering from an injury, brings him a stack of sinister Christmas cards mistakenly delivered to his house, he's all set to run. Ashton doesn't like the fear he sees in Rafael's eyes or the dark tone of the cards and wants to help the sweet young man. Learning to trust isn't easy for Rafael but he's going to need to trust in the magic of Christmas and his newly burgeoning feelings for Ashton and he might just get the best Christmas yet. Of course, it has the author's trademark instalove, but she never makes it feel forced or ridiculous. It just works. Add in all the other wonderful elements and you have a truly unique and captivating storyline and a book I'm going to revisit again and again! Just makes me feel good!
December 14, 2021
This is an interesting blend of romance and suspense, and while the suspense is paramount, the romance builds beautifully around the edges. I liked the way the author tied the meaning of Christmas as a holiday to feelings of belonging and happiness, and that both protagonists ended up in a place to build on those things together. I would have liked to have more detail with the resolution of said suspense plot (Ashton might not sweat the details, but I would like clarity, thank you) but overall I really enjoyed the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2021
I loved this story. It was exciting and suspenseful with a background sense of danger (from Rafael's abusive ex), but also wonderful seeing these two characters grow closer. Because of what he'd been through, Rafael didn't trust easily. Ashton is a cop who is on sick leave after getting injured on the job. When he receives several Christmas cards for a neighbor mistakenly sent to him, his instincts tell him there's something threatening about them. When his gut feeling proves true, he's determined to do what he can to protect Rafael and catch the man's ex. An excellent story. While it's on the short side, it feels thorough and complete with a feel-good happy ending. 5 stars.
December 20, 2021
Another well done story with touch of romance and spark of heat. Mainly this story touch on a social injustice/issue that happens more frequent than it should and I rather enjoyed how the author approached it. Love how Rafael took a stance...hated that he had to live in fear because of some wacko. Love how he was able to trust his neighbor Ash and get the help he needed. Lovely supporting characters with a lot of holiday cheer and happiness throughout even though the messiness that kind of lingered on until the end. Lovely ending tho...so well deserved for both Ash and Rafael. NICE!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2021
This was really cute. Ashton is on leave after being injured but when he receives some Christmas cards meant for his neighbor his instincts say something is up. Rafael has been hiding for two years and is prepared to run. Can these two work together to help each other out? This was a really interesting story and I enjoyed it.
December 17, 2021
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Very nicely done story about Rafael hiding from his abusive ex who has become a stalker. With the help of Ashton, Rafael begins to live life again with Ashton and even better the ex is caught.
December 21, 2021
Such a sweet Christmas story!
Sweet, low heat, adorable characters and Christmas. It was a great grumpy/sunshine story with just enough drama to keep it interesting. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sweet, low heat, adorable characters and Christmas. It was a great grumpy/sunshine story with just enough drama to keep it interesting. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 21, 2021
This was an OK read for me. Nothing wrong with it that turned me away, just nothing special that grabbed me and wouldn’t let go.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2021
Lovely. Wish it was longer..
December 24, 2023
Holly Day rarely writes pure contemporary (no shifters, witches, aliens) and I found it delightful. A stalker trope is always terrifying enough without magical elements.
February 9, 2024
Too short but still okay.
August 13, 2025
Entertaining and different kind of Christmas love story
I love Holly's stories. They always have an unexpected slant to them and nothing is as it first seems. This is no exception and is as unusual story to be put into a Christmas setting but works very well.
A cop stuck at home on sick leave and a man hiding from his abusive stalker ex, a perfect match made for the festive season. Ash's instincts tell him that Rafael needs his help and he can't ignore that. Rafael reluctantly goes to stay with Ash and throws himself into Christmas preparations to take his mind off everything.
Though the story is short, it packs a lot of content into it, with a sweet couple who find unexpected love and a happy ending that is actually hard won with a dramatic conclusion. A heartwarming read, as always with Holly.
I love Holly's stories. They always have an unexpected slant to them and nothing is as it first seems. This is no exception and is as unusual story to be put into a Christmas setting but works very well.
A cop stuck at home on sick leave and a man hiding from his abusive stalker ex, a perfect match made for the festive season. Ash's instincts tell him that Rafael needs his help and he can't ignore that. Rafael reluctantly goes to stay with Ash and throws himself into Christmas preparations to take his mind off everything.
Though the story is short, it packs a lot of content into it, with a sweet couple who find unexpected love and a happy ending that is actually hard won with a dramatic conclusion. A heartwarming read, as always with Holly.
January 22, 2022
Fast paced and enjoyable
The story takes place around Christmas but is a good read for any time of year. Once again the author delivers interesting characters and plotline with the romamce.
The story takes place around Christmas but is a good read for any time of year. Once again the author delivers interesting characters and plotline with the romamce.
January 3, 2025
3 Jan 25 - second read. Still cute. A lovely Christmas read.
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I'm slowly working my way through Holly Day's back catalogue.
This book is typical of this author: addictive writing, gorgeous characters, and a story I just don't want to end.
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I'm slowly working my way through Holly Day's back catalogue.
This book is typical of this author: addictive writing, gorgeous characters, and a story I just don't want to end.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews