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Snowed Inn
The Real Kaimana
When a travel blogger with a serious love for color and a billionaire with the most gorgeous dark eyes serendipitously meet at a hotel in the Colorado mountains, could it be the start of a true holiday romance?
Quirin Brukmiller grumbles when he is told he must go into the snow and cold to write a travel report about The Retreat, aka The Rainbow Inn, an LGBTQ-friendly hotel high up in the mountains. After some gentle persuasion in the form of free clothing from his favorite company, he packs his bags and is now ready to brave the snow for the first time. At the hotel, he has the most perfect meet-cute ever to be written for a rom-com and chooses to make the best of this golden opportunity fate has given him.
Kaimana Tilo just sold his biotech company for several billion dollars and came out to his parents. Both decisions went down like lead balloons with his conservative, money-loving family. To get some distance, a clear head, and to have his first appearance as an out gay man, he takes a trip to a charming inn deep in the mountains of Colorado. Before he has a chance to check into his room, he meets the man of his dreams. For once, life is smiling down on him, and Kai has every intention of keeping the colorful man who practically landed in his lap at his side.
When an avalanche blocks the road to the hotel forcing them to stay together longer, it is just the last sign that what they have is bound to last forever.
Quirin Brukmiller grumbles when he is told he must go into the snow and cold to write a travel report about The Retreat, aka The Rainbow Inn, an LGBTQ-friendly hotel high up in the mountains. After some gentle persuasion in the form of free clothing from his favorite company, he packs his bags and is now ready to brave the snow for the first time. At the hotel, he has the most perfect meet-cute ever to be written for a rom-com and chooses to make the best of this golden opportunity fate has given him.
Kaimana Tilo just sold his biotech company for several billion dollars and came out to his parents. Both decisions went down like lead balloons with his conservative, money-loving family. To get some distance, a clear head, and to have his first appearance as an out gay man, he takes a trip to a charming inn deep in the mountains of Colorado. Before he has a chance to check into his room, he meets the man of his dreams. For once, life is smiling down on him, and Kai has every intention of keeping the colorful man who practically landed in his lap at his side.
When an avalanche blocks the road to the hotel forcing them to stay together longer, it is just the last sign that what they have is bound to last forever.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2022
41 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Xenia Melzer
193 books95 followersXENIA MELZER was born and raised in a small village in the south of Bavaria. As one of nature’s true chocoholics, she’s always in search of the perfect chocolate experience. So far, she’s had about a dozen truly remarkable ones. Despite having been in close proximity to the mountains all her life, she has never understood why so many people think snow sports are fun. There are neither chocolate nor horses involved and it’s cold by definition, so where’s the sense? She does not like beer either and has never been to the Oktoberfest—no quality chocolate there.
Even though her mind is preoccupied with various stories most of the time, Xenia has managed to get through school and university with surprisingly good grades. Right after school she met her one true love who showed her that reality is capable of producing some truly amazing love stories itself.
While she was having her two children, she started writing down the most persistent stories in her head as a way of relieving mommy-related stress symptoms. As it turned out, the stress relief has now become a source of the same, albeit a positive one.
When she’s not writing, she translates other authors’ manuscripts to German, enjoys riding and running, spending time with her kids, and dancing with her husband.
Even though her mind is preoccupied with various stories most of the time, Xenia has managed to get through school and university with surprisingly good grades. Right after school she met her one true love who showed her that reality is capable of producing some truly amazing love stories itself.
While she was having her two children, she started writing down the most persistent stories in her head as a way of relieving mommy-related stress symptoms. As it turned out, the stress relief has now become a source of the same, albeit a positive one.
When she’s not writing, she translates other authors’ manuscripts to German, enjoys riding and running, spending time with her kids, and dancing with her husband.
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January 10, 2023DNF @ 9%.
Took an immediate dislike to one of the MCs. Bleh.
Took an immediate dislike to one of the MCs. Bleh.
November 20, 2022
My favorite of the series so far. It was sweet, fun and very heartwarming.
QUICK THOUGHTS
** Holiday/Christmas (this has a bit more Christmas-y feel)
** Forced proximity/Avalanche/One bed two men
** Billionaire/Travel Blogger pairing
** Rom-com
** Slow-ish burn
** First time
** Meet-cute
** Really sweet
** Made me laugh
** The elevator ghost makes a bigger appearance but far from the focus
** Loved the MCs... Kaimana & Quirin
** One great family/one horrible family
** The ending kind of rushed but satisfying none the less
** Part of a Multi Author Series
** A Shared Inn as well as a few side characters
** Can be read as a stand-alone
October 22, 2022
4.25 Stars
Xenia Melzer’s The Real Kaimana, one of seven standalone novels in the 2022 multi-author holiday ‘Snowed Inn’ series, is an absolutely delightful read.
It’s a near perfect example of what a “two man having to share a single bed in the same hotel room during a snow storm because of a reservation mixup” gay rom-com novel should be.
Quirin Brukmiller is the travel blogger extraordinaire of Lustige Wandersleut, a destination review column he blogs - and vlogs - for It’s a Beautiful World magazine. He’s a connoisseur of all thing colorful, and is definitely a warm weather traveller.
Horrified to be assigned to review The Retreat, aka The Rainbow Inn, an LGBTQ-friendly hotel in the Colorado mountains, he agrees to go only after being bribed with free winter clothing from CreativeEco’s newest design collection. In addition, because he loves unique hotels and The Rainbow Inn is rumored to have a ghost in one of their elevators, how could he possibly decline the opportunity?
Quirin is of Bavarian ancestry where his name means ‘Warrior’.
After selling his biotech company, Kaimana Tilo finds himself as a 34-year old billionaire with nothing but time on his hands. He’s just come out to his family and it did not go well. His father and brother had not held anything back telling him exactly how they felt about his sexual orientation. To them it was “undignified for a true Samoan man.”
While Kai is Samoan, his name is Hawaiian where it means ‘Power of the Sea’.
Because of a mix-up in the hotel’s reservation system, ‘Warrior’ and ‘Power of the Sea’ end up having to share a hotel room - with a single bed.
Kai is fascinated by the openness and joy that Quirin represents, while Quirin quickly realizes that Kai, being newly out, needs every bit of support that Quirin can provide to have him realize what a truly fine person he is.
Quirin’s editor had signed him up for several activities during his hotel stay. As he and Kai worked their way through those activities - a snowboarding course; a crocheting class where they created their own rainbow woolen caps; a nerve-wracking speed dating event; the unplanned avalanche (which, of course Quirin’s editor hadn’t signed him up for); a snowman building contest where Qquirin wanted to create a Wolpertinger; waltz lessons from two friendly lesbians; and Quirin’s favorite card game, Schafkopfn - their initial spark turned to curiosity, then infatuation and finally love.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
If the snowed in rom-com genre appeals to you, you’ll undoubtably find the The Real Kaimana to be a truly enjoyable read.
Xenia Melzer’s The Real Kaimana, one of seven standalone novels in the 2022 multi-author holiday ‘Snowed Inn’ series, is an absolutely delightful read.
It’s a near perfect example of what a “two man having to share a single bed in the same hotel room during a snow storm because of a reservation mixup” gay rom-com novel should be.
Quirin Brukmiller is the travel blogger extraordinaire of Lustige Wandersleut, a destination review column he blogs - and vlogs - for It’s a Beautiful World magazine. He’s a connoisseur of all thing colorful, and is definitely a warm weather traveller.
Horrified to be assigned to review The Retreat, aka The Rainbow Inn, an LGBTQ-friendly hotel in the Colorado mountains, he agrees to go only after being bribed with free winter clothing from CreativeEco’s newest design collection. In addition, because he loves unique hotels and The Rainbow Inn is rumored to have a ghost in one of their elevators, how could he possibly decline the opportunity?
Quirin is of Bavarian ancestry where his name means ‘Warrior’.
After selling his biotech company, Kaimana Tilo finds himself as a 34-year old billionaire with nothing but time on his hands. He’s just come out to his family and it did not go well. His father and brother had not held anything back telling him exactly how they felt about his sexual orientation. To them it was “undignified for a true Samoan man.”
While Kai is Samoan, his name is Hawaiian where it means ‘Power of the Sea’.
Because of a mix-up in the hotel’s reservation system, ‘Warrior’ and ‘Power of the Sea’ end up having to share a hotel room - with a single bed.
Kai is fascinated by the openness and joy that Quirin represents, while Quirin quickly realizes that Kai, being newly out, needs every bit of support that Quirin can provide to have him realize what a truly fine person he is.
Quirin’s editor had signed him up for several activities during his hotel stay. As he and Kai worked their way through those activities - a snowboarding course; a crocheting class where they created their own rainbow woolen caps; a nerve-wracking speed dating event; the unplanned avalanche (which, of course Quirin’s editor hadn’t signed him up for); a snowman building contest where Qquirin wanted to create a Wolpertinger; waltz lessons from two friendly lesbians; and Quirin’s favorite card game, Schafkopfn - their initial spark turned to curiosity, then infatuation and finally love.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
If the snowed in rom-com genre appeals to you, you’ll undoubtably find the The Real Kaimana to be a truly enjoyable read.
November 16, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
This is a charming little Christmas story, part of the Snowed Inn multi-author collection, and full of snow, sex, and sass. Both Quirin and Kai are optimists, both of them knowing that today, no matter how dark and difficult it’s been, is just one step on the road to tomorrow. Quirin has always led with his heart, always gone for what he wanted with both hands … which, sure, has had some ex boyfriends calling him needy or too much, but it’s the only way he knows to be. Fortunately, Kai loves Quirin’s unbridled enthusiasm.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
This is a charming little Christmas story, part of the Snowed Inn multi-author collection, and full of snow, sex, and sass. Both Quirin and Kai are optimists, both of them knowing that today, no matter how dark and difficult it’s been, is just one step on the road to tomorrow. Quirin has always led with his heart, always gone for what he wanted with both hands … which, sure, has had some ex boyfriends calling him needy or too much, but it’s the only way he knows to be. Fortunately, Kai loves Quirin’s unbridled enthusiasm.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
January 3, 2023
Quirky. Adorable. Delightful.
Absolutely the most quirky, lovely and adorable characters of the series. I would love to see this as a Rom-Com movie! We need more LGBTQ+ characters as leads in romantic movies.
These two men will never leave my head. They were so different from each other which made them perfect together. I wish I could see their blog in reality. I truly appreciated their differences. I enjoyed each of their family heritage's. I love Hawaiian and Polynesian culture. My family heritage is partly Bavarian (only second generation Americans on one side). I
hate to say goodbye.
I am glad that I am reading these books in order as it makes me understand the setting better. My first book by this author. It is delightful. It will not be the last story that I read by Denial Melzer!
Absolutely the most quirky, lovely and adorable characters of the series. I would love to see this as a Rom-Com movie! We need more LGBTQ+ characters as leads in romantic movies.
These two men will never leave my head. They were so different from each other which made them perfect together. I wish I could see their blog in reality. I truly appreciated their differences. I enjoyed each of their family heritage's. I love Hawaiian and Polynesian culture. My family heritage is partly Bavarian (only second generation Americans on one side). I
hate to say goodbye.
I am glad that I am reading these books in order as it makes me understand the setting better. My first book by this author. It is delightful. It will not be the last story that I read by Denial Melzer!
May 19, 2023
I was hoping to love this. I did like it okay, but I found it to be a bit on the saccharine side of sweet. There were hints at depth, especially with Kaimana's struggle with his family over coming out, but I couldn't fault the lightness of this holiday story over it not being a little more angsty.
When I'm looking for a sweet holiday story this one was along the lines of what I look for, but there was something punchy missing. There were silly moments, adorably campy moments, a lot of rainbow awesomeness, and a very sweet relationship here so it was worth the read.
It was the author's storytelling, I think, that didn't one hundred percent gel for me. It was simple and nice, but not a style that I'd seek out proactively. If the synopsis drew me in and I didn't have any of my must-read authors on deck then I'd gladly give another of their books a go though.
So overall it was a very nice book with solid characters that definitely worked together in a setting that felt right for both the romance and the overall story. This was a good addition to the series.
When I'm looking for a sweet holiday story this one was along the lines of what I look for, but there was something punchy missing. There were silly moments, adorably campy moments, a lot of rainbow awesomeness, and a very sweet relationship here so it was worth the read.
It was the author's storytelling, I think, that didn't one hundred percent gel for me. It was simple and nice, but not a style that I'd seek out proactively. If the synopsis drew me in and I didn't have any of my must-read authors on deck then I'd gladly give another of their books a go though.
So overall it was a very nice book with solid characters that definitely worked together in a setting that felt right for both the romance and the overall story. This was a good addition to the series.
November 29, 2022
Nope… who would agree to share hotel room with only one bed with a complete stranger?!
December 22, 2024
Io lo devo dire, questo è il libro con la copertina peggiore. Davvero è terribile, nella mia mente Kaimana è molto diverso e vedere questa copertina mi uccide. Nel senso che secondo me non rispecchia minimamente l'aria da impettito uomo di affari che Kaimana ha, anche quando cerca di uscire dalla sua vecchia pelle è sempre parecchio ingessato, questo tizio non mi sembra ingessato, mi sembra semplicemente inc4zz4t0. E considerando che Kaimana e Quirin sono state una delle mie coppie preferite lo trovo terribile. Ecco.
Questo nostro quinto soggiorno si tinge delle tinte comedy, soprattutto grazie a Quirin che non potrà che strapparvi una risata, se non lui i suoi outfit ultra colorati e cosparsi di lustrini. Andiamo per graddi, i due si incontrano nella hall dell'hotel, dove quest'uomo polinesiano alto tipo un metro e novanta, chiede alla reception quando arrivi il signor Brukmiller co la sua voce cavernosa che fa partire dei brividi a Quirin, che si, è il signor Brukmiller e non può crede che un uomo così sexy stia proprio facendo il suo nome. Quirin ecco, è tipo alto come me, un metro e sessanta, non è decisamente atletico ed è, come dicevo, un'esplosione di colore. Kaimana apprezza da subito il modo di vestire di Quirin, forse è daltonico perché vi assicuro che Quirin fa abbinamenti di colore imbarazzanti.
Ogni modo, i due si presentano nella hall del pittoresco resort, come fosse un film. E come fosse una commedia romantica ecco che ci viene presentato il problema, a causa di un errore gravissimo la stanza è stata prenotata due volte. Ops. Ora, qualsiasi persona sana di mente rifiuterebbe di condividere la stanza e il letto con uno appena conosciuto alla reception del Retreat. Giusto? Loro non sono normali e via che accettano senza alcun tipo di problema e con una serie di battute piccanti di condividere senza alcun problema la camera. Le differenze fra i due sono evidente, Quirin ha una quantità di bagagli tale da dare l'idea di aver traslocato, il beauty-case di Kaimana consiste in quattro oggetti: spazzola, spazzolino, dentifricio e deodorante. Hanno in comune una cosa, però: sono gay.
Kaimana è decisamente nuovo a tutto questo, sa di essere gay dall'adolescenza ma lo ha confessato solamente poco tempo prima, dichiarandosi ai genitori poco dopo avergli detto che aveva venduto la sua azienda. La famiglia di Kai infatti non ha preso bene nessuna delle due cose, non perché siano omofobi in generale, a quanto pare lo sono unicamente nei confronti del figlio, quel figlio che ha sempre dovuto essere virilmente perfetto e da cui si aspettano un erede. Quirin non ha decisamente questi problemi familiari, al contrario, le sue spalle sono coperte da una famiglia che è molto di supporto. Kaimana ha deciso di andare al Retreat per trovare sé stesso, per capire chi è davvero e, magari, poter esplorare la propria sessualità. Quirin invece si trova alla Locanda Arcobaleno per lavoro, è infatti un travel blogger e la sua caporedattrice ha deciso di spedirlo a recensire il Retreat.
Quirin non è entusiasta, preferisce i luoghi caldi, il mare. Un resort immerso nella neve del Colorado non è decisamente la sua cup of tea. Ha un elenco di attività da provare e l0unica cosa che lo ha davvero convinto è che la sua linea preferita di abbigliamento ha scelto di inviargli abbigliamento gratuito in modo che lo pubblicizzi mentre è in Colorado. Come vi dicevo i due si piacciono subito, al primo sguardo, però non se lo dicono subito, al contrario, ci mettono parecchio tempo (se consideriamo il tempo come volume di pagine del libro, ricordiamoci che questi soggiorni non sono di certo qualcosa di lungo.). Quirin decide di coinvolgere Kaimana in tutte le attività che ha in programma, vuole aiutarlo a lasciarsi andare e sicuramente usa la scusa per poter trascorrere più tempo con lui, senza contare che ne sfrutta la presenza anche per incuriosire i propri follower.
Sono talmente diversi che si completano, tipico no? Una storia d'amore che strappa più di una risata, come dicevo sono una delle coppie che ho preferito e sicuramente sono state fondamentali per il mio giudizio del libro. Vi dirò, alcune parti le ho trovate inutili, tipo la lunghissima spiegazione di un gioco che, okkei, ha portato me a essere confusa tanto quanto Kaimana e sicuramente ho perfettamente empatizzato con lui in quel momento ma, onestissimamente, me la sarei risparmiata. Un'altra cosa che ho adorato del volume è che qui viene dato largo spazio all'ascensore infestato, nel corso di tutta la serie lo vediamo ma in realtà è solo in questo volume che gli viene dato il giusto spazio. Perché è ovvio che Quirin diventi amico di un ascensore posseduto, insomma, lapalissiano.
Consiglio il volume a chi ama le coppie non convenzionali, le storie d'amore dove si sogna ad occhi aperti e dove non viene dimenticato il lato comedy.
Questo nostro quinto soggiorno si tinge delle tinte comedy, soprattutto grazie a Quirin che non potrà che strapparvi una risata, se non lui i suoi outfit ultra colorati e cosparsi di lustrini. Andiamo per graddi, i due si incontrano nella hall dell'hotel, dove quest'uomo polinesiano alto tipo un metro e novanta, chiede alla reception quando arrivi il signor Brukmiller co la sua voce cavernosa che fa partire dei brividi a Quirin, che si, è il signor Brukmiller e non può crede che un uomo così sexy stia proprio facendo il suo nome. Quirin ecco, è tipo alto come me, un metro e sessanta, non è decisamente atletico ed è, come dicevo, un'esplosione di colore. Kaimana apprezza da subito il modo di vestire di Quirin, forse è daltonico perché vi assicuro che Quirin fa abbinamenti di colore imbarazzanti.
Ogni modo, i due si presentano nella hall del pittoresco resort, come fosse un film. E come fosse una commedia romantica ecco che ci viene presentato il problema, a causa di un errore gravissimo la stanza è stata prenotata due volte. Ops. Ora, qualsiasi persona sana di mente rifiuterebbe di condividere la stanza e il letto con uno appena conosciuto alla reception del Retreat. Giusto? Loro non sono normali e via che accettano senza alcun tipo di problema e con una serie di battute piccanti di condividere senza alcun problema la camera. Le differenze fra i due sono evidente, Quirin ha una quantità di bagagli tale da dare l'idea di aver traslocato, il beauty-case di Kaimana consiste in quattro oggetti: spazzola, spazzolino, dentifricio e deodorante. Hanno in comune una cosa, però: sono gay.
Kaimana è decisamente nuovo a tutto questo, sa di essere gay dall'adolescenza ma lo ha confessato solamente poco tempo prima, dichiarandosi ai genitori poco dopo avergli detto che aveva venduto la sua azienda. La famiglia di Kai infatti non ha preso bene nessuna delle due cose, non perché siano omofobi in generale, a quanto pare lo sono unicamente nei confronti del figlio, quel figlio che ha sempre dovuto essere virilmente perfetto e da cui si aspettano un erede. Quirin non ha decisamente questi problemi familiari, al contrario, le sue spalle sono coperte da una famiglia che è molto di supporto. Kaimana ha deciso di andare al Retreat per trovare sé stesso, per capire chi è davvero e, magari, poter esplorare la propria sessualità. Quirin invece si trova alla Locanda Arcobaleno per lavoro, è infatti un travel blogger e la sua caporedattrice ha deciso di spedirlo a recensire il Retreat.
Quirin non è entusiasta, preferisce i luoghi caldi, il mare. Un resort immerso nella neve del Colorado non è decisamente la sua cup of tea. Ha un elenco di attività da provare e l0unica cosa che lo ha davvero convinto è che la sua linea preferita di abbigliamento ha scelto di inviargli abbigliamento gratuito in modo che lo pubblicizzi mentre è in Colorado. Come vi dicevo i due si piacciono subito, al primo sguardo, però non se lo dicono subito, al contrario, ci mettono parecchio tempo (se consideriamo il tempo come volume di pagine del libro, ricordiamoci che questi soggiorni non sono di certo qualcosa di lungo.). Quirin decide di coinvolgere Kaimana in tutte le attività che ha in programma, vuole aiutarlo a lasciarsi andare e sicuramente usa la scusa per poter trascorrere più tempo con lui, senza contare che ne sfrutta la presenza anche per incuriosire i propri follower.
Sono talmente diversi che si completano, tipico no? Una storia d'amore che strappa più di una risata, come dicevo sono una delle coppie che ho preferito e sicuramente sono state fondamentali per il mio giudizio del libro. Vi dirò, alcune parti le ho trovate inutili, tipo la lunghissima spiegazione di un gioco che, okkei, ha portato me a essere confusa tanto quanto Kaimana e sicuramente ho perfettamente empatizzato con lui in quel momento ma, onestissimamente, me la sarei risparmiata. Un'altra cosa che ho adorato del volume è che qui viene dato largo spazio all'ascensore infestato, nel corso di tutta la serie lo vediamo ma in realtà è solo in questo volume che gli viene dato il giusto spazio. Perché è ovvio che Quirin diventi amico di un ascensore posseduto, insomma, lapalissiano.
Consiglio il volume a chi ama le coppie non convenzionali, le storie d'amore dove si sogna ad occhi aperti e dove non viene dimenticato il lato comedy.
November 16, 2022
A Must Holiday Read!
Rating: 5 🌈
The Real Kaimana by Xenia Melzer is a must holiday read. It’s a falling movie snowflake, a much needed hug, and that sexy fireplace burning ever so brightly in the cabin of your dreams. It’s the story that leaves you smiling, full of love and warmth at the thought of this couple and their happily ever after.
It’s low on angst, right on target with the balance between serious discussions about subjects such as body positivity, acceptance of one’s sexuality, and an emotional openness to life’s choices and new beginnings.
Melzer is a new author for me and I believe this is her first LGBTGIA story. I need to seek out what else this author has written because this is an amazing story.
The characters sing of life and joy while always staying grounded in a realistic foundation where families are capable of approving a son’s choices about his sexuality or career, and positivity about self image has no age restrictions or body types.
Travelogue blogger Quirin Brukmiller and businessman Kaimana Tilo will capture your heart from the start. They are so beautifully crafted, multidimensional personalities that I was swept into their lives and developing relationship and never stopped until the end.
I laughed with joy, stumbling along with them through all their discoveries and talks . And left them , far too soon, with their HEA.
I’m absolutely recommending The Real Kaimana (A Snowed Inn Romance) by Xenia Melzer and this collection. What a fantastic way to get into your holiday spirit!
Rating: 5 🌈
The Real Kaimana by Xenia Melzer is a must holiday read. It’s a falling movie snowflake, a much needed hug, and that sexy fireplace burning ever so brightly in the cabin of your dreams. It’s the story that leaves you smiling, full of love and warmth at the thought of this couple and their happily ever after.
It’s low on angst, right on target with the balance between serious discussions about subjects such as body positivity, acceptance of one’s sexuality, and an emotional openness to life’s choices and new beginnings.
Melzer is a new author for me and I believe this is her first LGBTGIA story. I need to seek out what else this author has written because this is an amazing story.
The characters sing of life and joy while always staying grounded in a realistic foundation where families are capable of approving a son’s choices about his sexuality or career, and positivity about self image has no age restrictions or body types.
Travelogue blogger Quirin Brukmiller and businessman Kaimana Tilo will capture your heart from the start. They are so beautifully crafted, multidimensional personalities that I was swept into their lives and developing relationship and never stopped until the end.
I laughed with joy, stumbling along with them through all their discoveries and talks . And left them , far too soon, with their HEA.
I’m absolutely recommending The Real Kaimana (A Snowed Inn Romance) by Xenia Melzer and this collection. What a fantastic way to get into your holiday spirit!
November 21, 2022
This is one of the several stories in the Snowed Inn series by several authors. I totally loved reading this one because I love that one of the MCs is a POC, especially an Indigenous from the Oceania and he’s HAWT! If love at first sight can happen, it certainly can for the MCs! I’d definitely love to see these books in the series be made in a gay hallmarkesque TV movie series! Nothing beats the romantic scene of snow falling in a hotel resort up in the Colorado mountains around Christmastime. If you had the opportunity to read the other stories, you’ll get different perspectives of the avalanche that threatened to sideline Christmas, the haunted elevator, and all the fun tidbits that comes with it!
The story starts with. Quirin, a travel blogger who was basically forced to travel to the snowy resort to do a blog about it. He balked at first but was enticed to go for it with promise of being provided with free attire by his favorite clothing store as long as he mentions them in the blog. At the same time, Kaimana had sold his company and came out to his family with disastrous results. Feeling upset with his family, he decided to book a getaway at the Rainbow Inn. When they got to the resort, they were told the room had been double booked. However, Quirin had a first glance at Kaimana and didn’t mind being paired up to share the room. Kaimana didn’t mind it either. So they were paired up. That’s where I’m going to stop and have you pick up the book to read and find out what happens!!! Definitely more than 5 stars from me!
The story starts with. Quirin, a travel blogger who was basically forced to travel to the snowy resort to do a blog about it. He balked at first but was enticed to go for it with promise of being provided with free attire by his favorite clothing store as long as he mentions them in the blog. At the same time, Kaimana had sold his company and came out to his family with disastrous results. Feeling upset with his family, he decided to book a getaway at the Rainbow Inn. When they got to the resort, they were told the room had been double booked. However, Quirin had a first glance at Kaimana and didn’t mind being paired up to share the room. Kaimana didn’t mind it either. So they were paired up. That’s where I’m going to stop and have you pick up the book to read and find out what happens!!! Definitely more than 5 stars from me!
November 18, 2022
The Real Kaimana is part of the multi-author shared world Snowed Inn series. I'm loving this series and this heartwarming book is a wonderful addition. Quirin is a travel blogger and visiting The Retreat and snow for the first time. Kaimana sold his business, came out to his parents, and is at The Retreat for a much needed vacation. When they both arrive at the hotel there's a room mix up and they have to share. This is the best thing that could've happened to both of them. I love Quirin and Kai together. They have great chemistry and I love that they took their time and didn't rush immediately into the physical stuff. Both characters are so relatable. I love Quirin's interactions in the elevator, just perfect. I love reading the uniqueness of each author's story in this series. I've read three so far and can picture the characters from the other books wandering around at certain times or at the same events. I definitely recommend this book and series. Each book can be read on their own and in any order.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
November 15, 2022
Kai and Quirin were super sweet in this perfect two strangers one bed winter romance
I admit, I’m not usually a massive fan of the two strangers one bed trope. However, I’ve really enjoyed the other books in this connected series and I love a winter romance so I thought I would give it a try. I am so, so glad I did. This was exactly what I love about winter romances. It’s pretty low angst (though my heart broke for what Kai went through with his family) and very cozy. Kai and Quirin were just so lovely. As characters they were very likeable but their interactions together were even better. Throughout all the activities they do together (Quirin is signed up for quite a few) you can see how they slowly fit together in a way that works for them and is so sweet to read. I love winter romances because they tend to have that warm fuzzy, cozy feeling that winter brings and this really hit all the right notes to give you that perfect feeling.
I admit, I’m not usually a massive fan of the two strangers one bed trope. However, I’ve really enjoyed the other books in this connected series and I love a winter romance so I thought I would give it a try. I am so, so glad I did. This was exactly what I love about winter romances. It’s pretty low angst (though my heart broke for what Kai went through with his family) and very cozy. Kai and Quirin were just so lovely. As characters they were very likeable but their interactions together were even better. Throughout all the activities they do together (Quirin is signed up for quite a few) you can see how they slowly fit together in a way that works for them and is so sweet to read. I love winter romances because they tend to have that warm fuzzy, cozy feeling that winter brings and this really hit all the right notes to give you that perfect feeling.
November 18, 2022
Absolutely adorable story. Kai and Quirin are the cutest, hottest most adorable characters, ever! Kai has lived under the secret of being gay trying to satisfy his family's expectations. He felt coming out would hinder him professionally. So, he sold his company, came out to his family and took a vacation at the gay friendly Inn. He hopes his introduction in the community is smooth. Quirin, is a travel blogger comfortable in his skin and the gay community. He is willing to help Kai find his way in the community. Both men are experienceing 'snow' for the first time. The author did an excellent job letting us get to know Kai and Quirin who are amazing men. Will they find an appreciation for the 'cold'? Will they move on their attraction? Will Quirin be a good guide? Will Kai find a new 'calling'? Great story. Totally hot. Both characters sound like amazing men. The Inn still representing. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2025
Voto: 3.5
RECENSIONE A CURA DI SLANIF
Quirin Brukmiller è un travel blogger di professione che scrive articoli per una nota rivista. Quando gli viene proposto di andare in Colorato in pieno inverno, è tutt’altro che entusiasta. Tuttavia, dopo un’opera di convincimento molto materiale, Quirin parte e, non appena arrivato al Rainbow Inn, incontra Kaimana Tilo.
Kaimana ha appena venduto la sua azienda e fatto coming out con la sua famiglia, che non l’ha presa affatto bene. Ciò nonostante, è così stanco di nascondersi che decide di uscire allo scoperto alla grande, andando al Rainbow Inn, un noto hotel Gay Friendly. Spera di divertirsi e di uscire dal guscio, di certo non di incontrare qualcuno come Quirin…
Riuscirà la valanga a sbrogliare la situazione?
Continua sul nostro blog!
RECENSIONE A CURA DI SLANIF
Quirin Brukmiller è un travel blogger di professione che scrive articoli per una nota rivista. Quando gli viene proposto di andare in Colorato in pieno inverno, è tutt’altro che entusiasta. Tuttavia, dopo un’opera di convincimento molto materiale, Quirin parte e, non appena arrivato al Rainbow Inn, incontra Kaimana Tilo.
Kaimana ha appena venduto la sua azienda e fatto coming out con la sua famiglia, che non l’ha presa affatto bene. Ciò nonostante, è così stanco di nascondersi che decide di uscire allo scoperto alla grande, andando al Rainbow Inn, un noto hotel Gay Friendly. Spera di divertirsi e di uscire dal guscio, di certo non di incontrare qualcuno come Quirin…
Riuscirà la valanga a sbrogliare la situazione?
Continua sul nostro blog!
November 17, 2022
Kai has money. He just sold his business for billions of dollars. He also has a conservative family that is not comfortable that the other change in his life is that he has come out to them. He goes to the Retreat aka the Rainbow Inn in search of peace and a place that he can be himself. There he meets Quirin who is very different from his family. Exuberant and outgoing not only in his clothes but in his blog and his enchanting description of his Bavarian culture, after all he is a travel writer, Quirin enchants Kai. And the feeling is mutual. Theirs is a story of love at first sight where it seemed as if fate brought them to a place where they could meet. Low angst and lovely holiday where love appears to be the gift that will keep on giving to them both.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2023
This was a fairly gentle story with very little tension between the MCs. They settled into the relationship very quickly and committed to each other.
Kaimana was interesting because he came from a homophobic, toxic-masculinity culture and family, and he was deliberately moving away from that towards his ‘real’ self. I admire that a lot and wanted to read about it. I would have liked to see him fighting to do that, rather than when he’d done it and was pretty much happy with who he was.
Both MCs were in a settled place in terms of their jobs and financial security, and both were happy with the people they had become. There wasn’t really a conflict in this story, but that was quite nice to have a low-stakes Christmas read with a lot of talking to each other about their cultures. It did drag on a bit, considering the lack of plot, but it was ok.
Kaimana was interesting because he came from a homophobic, toxic-masculinity culture and family, and he was deliberately moving away from that towards his ‘real’ self. I admire that a lot and wanted to read about it. I would have liked to see him fighting to do that, rather than when he’d done it and was pretty much happy with who he was.
Both MCs were in a settled place in terms of their jobs and financial security, and both were happy with the people they had become. There wasn’t really a conflict in this story, but that was quite nice to have a low-stakes Christmas read with a lot of talking to each other about their cultures. It did drag on a bit, considering the lack of plot, but it was ok.
April 29, 2024
This is the 4th book in the Snowed Inn multi-author series that I have read. All the stories are centered around an avalanche blocking the road and therefore the exit of guests staying at the Inn just before Christmas. All the books have been well linked so far and I enjoyed this story incorporating the ghost that haunts the lift.
What I didn't like was the rushed ending. All of a sudden, the roads were open and the MC's left the Inn. Then comes the epilogue, which is their wedding, and so much was left out.
Kaimana had family issues that weren't addressed in the year after they left the Inn. Were there any attempts at reconciliation? There was no mention of any of his family attending the wedding. The wedding was a rush and that was it.
My rating was purely based on the disappointing last chapter and epilogue.
What I didn't like was the rushed ending. All of a sudden, the roads were open and the MC's left the Inn. Then comes the epilogue, which is their wedding, and so much was left out.
Kaimana had family issues that weren't addressed in the year after they left the Inn. Were there any attempts at reconciliation? There was no mention of any of his family attending the wedding. The wedding was a rush and that was it.
My rating was purely based on the disappointing last chapter and epilogue.
October 21, 2022
This book starts out so much fun. I could tell I was going to love Quirin’s bubbly outgoing nature and I was so right! He was the perfect “guide” to draw Kaimana out of his shell and show him how much fun he could have just by allowing himself to be. I fell in love with both of them almost as fast as they fell in love with each other. My heart hurt for Kai, seeing how much he truly loved his family but they refused to accept his truth and kept trying to shove him in their perfect boxes. These two fall in love in the blink of an eye and their love will last them a lifetime. Absolutely delightful story and now I have to go read the rest of this multi author set!
November 15, 2022
This is my first read from this author and I've enjoyed it. There is zero angst, though I felt for Kaimana and how his family are. But the balm for that is meeting Quirin at The Retreat hotel and ending up sharing a room due to a mix up with their bookings.
Both men are sweethearts, a bit out of their element in the snow but know how to make the most of it. Quirin acts a bit like a guide to Kaimana as the man is now truly living as an out gay man for the first time. It's a slow burner to start with as friendship grows but being stuck together in one room and then by an avalanche pushes attraction and feelings to develop faster. A lot of heated moments ensue that just cement how they've come to feel for each other and their future.
It's a lovely and easy romance to enjoy, a good addition to the Snowed Inn series.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Both men are sweethearts, a bit out of their element in the snow but know how to make the most of it. Quirin acts a bit like a guide to Kaimana as the man is now truly living as an out gay man for the first time. It's a slow burner to start with as friendship grows but being stuck together in one room and then by an avalanche pushes attraction and feelings to develop faster. A lot of heated moments ensue that just cement how they've come to feel for each other and their future.
It's a lovely and easy romance to enjoy, a good addition to the Snowed Inn series.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
November 13, 2022
The Real Kaimana was such a delight to read.
I loved both main characters. It is impossible to keep from rooting for Kai and Quirin (never Q!).
They had the ultimate meet cute that leads to finding the love of their lives.
My heart ached for Kai as he is finally stepping into himself at 34. Staying in the closet his entire life so he doesn't lose family has left its mark on him. There is no one better that Quirin to shower him in love and acceptance. Quirin has such a zest for life that Kai is drawn to him and happily accepts all the love he has to offer.
These two are the perfect match and their connection and chemistry is amazing.
I loved both main characters. It is impossible to keep from rooting for Kai and Quirin (never Q!).
They had the ultimate meet cute that leads to finding the love of their lives.
My heart ached for Kai as he is finally stepping into himself at 34. Staying in the closet his entire life so he doesn't lose family has left its mark on him. There is no one better that Quirin to shower him in love and acceptance. Quirin has such a zest for life that Kai is drawn to him and happily accepts all the love he has to offer.
These two are the perfect match and their connection and chemistry is amazing.
November 27, 2022
A true opposites attract romance and what really made this cute is that the guys were forced to stay in same room...one bed...NICE! I would say these guys were just adorbs...Quirin was a hoot...very vibrant and colorful...loved him and his personality...just right for Kaimana who was just now living for himself and not for others. Their romance had a nice easy going flow...dragged a little in some areas but didn't take away from the overall enjoyment. I did feel like the epilogue was a hurried affair tho...Loved them as a couple and happy with their HEA... VERY NICE!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
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December 12, 2022I’m not gonna rate this because 3 stars would be a bit high for my enjoyment but the idea of giving this a lower rating makes me sad!
This was truly lovely, great poc and plus-size body rep, positive sex talks, coming out late in life all that jazz
Loved the food description too
The rest wasnt really impressive
The writing is wordy and over descriptive in the wat fanfiction can be, its a midway between a ff and a twitter thread on lgbtq rights at times
Some stuff comes with no explanation (elevator ghost??) and honestly all the organized activities are my own personam version of hell sorry
I wont reread this ever, i know that, but i also would not take it out of anyone’s hands!
This was truly lovely, great poc and plus-size body rep, positive sex talks, coming out late in life all that jazz
Loved the food description too
The rest wasnt really impressive
The writing is wordy and over descriptive in the wat fanfiction can be, its a midway between a ff and a twitter thread on lgbtq rights at times
Some stuff comes with no explanation (elevator ghost??) and honestly all the organized activities are my own personam version of hell sorry
I wont reread this ever, i know that, but i also would not take it out of anyone’s hands!
November 14, 2022
This is another book in the Snowed Inn series. Quirin is a blogger, confident and full of personality. Kai is more reserved and embracing life as an out gay man. A mix up in reservations finds them sharing a room, and a bed. They spend time getting to know one another and form a strong bond in a short amount of time. While there is definitely a physical component to their relationship, it’s the emotional connection that drives the story. I found it to be a sweet, low angst, Christmas read. I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
November 18, 2022
Absolutely adored this book !! I loved the character diversity and the characters themselves. We have Quirin who is quite simply….adorable – he’s over the top, confident and sassy (in a nice way). And Kai, who’s just the nicest and chilliest guy ….. who’s also realised his life is actually his life. The story and plot is very well written – insta-love, forced proximity, low angst and a Christmas setting – what’s not to love !! First time I’ve actually read a book by this author and I’m definitely going to look for more !!
Received an arc of this book and voluntarily leave my review.
Received an arc of this book and voluntarily leave my review.
November 19, 2022
This book is a sweet, slow-burn, nearly-instalove, romcom-inspired fantasy!
Kinda-secret virgin billionaire? Check!
Blogger who miraculously makes a living doing only that while living in one of the most expensive areas in the country? Check!
Blogger sent on a kinda-forced assignment to somewhere “rustic”? Check!
Only one bed because there was a “computer glitch”? Check!
The tropes just kept rolling to the point it was ridiculous! However, the author also made the MCs feel authentic and warm, which saved my eyeball muscles from rolling-induced fatigue-whew! Recommended!
Kinda-secret virgin billionaire? Check!
Blogger who miraculously makes a living doing only that while living in one of the most expensive areas in the country? Check!
Blogger sent on a kinda-forced assignment to somewhere “rustic”? Check!
Only one bed because there was a “computer glitch”? Check!
The tropes just kept rolling to the point it was ridiculous! However, the author also made the MCs feel authentic and warm, which saved my eyeball muscles from rolling-induced fatigue-whew! Recommended!
November 19, 2022
Fantastic romantic journey to finding yourself and love. I loved this story of these MC's finding connection and discovering love. The story-line was just so well written and the characters just were touchable. I enjoyed the fun they had in each of the many activities they took part in at The Retreat. The author was very creative and just won my heart with Quirin and Kaimana.
This book is part of the Snowed Inn collection and they are standalone stories and can be read in any order.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
This book is part of the Snowed Inn collection and they are standalone stories and can be read in any order.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
November 28, 2022
Need less details and Leave me wanting more...
Contains: one room, one bed, snow-in, really slow burn, blogger and a billionaire.
The slow burn is all I can focus on. It took so much time and we visit every activities they did as strangers. Then they fell in love, become lovers, admit the billionaire story and commit to a relationship. Plan a wedding. Hea. Oh And there is the story about the billionaire and his family that we didn't even know how it finish (I was really hoping for and happy family, ugh).
Contains: one room, one bed, snow-in, really slow burn, blogger and a billionaire.
The slow burn is all I can focus on. It took so much time and we visit every activities they did as strangers. Then they fell in love, become lovers, admit the billionaire story and commit to a relationship. Plan a wedding. Hea. Oh And there is the story about the billionaire and his family that we didn't even know how it finish (I was really hoping for and happy family, ugh).
November 17, 2022
This my first book by this author, but it won't be my last. Kaimana and Quirin are two people who happen to be in the right place, at the right time, when love strikes them. Kaimana is such a lovable character who's family doesn't deserve him. Quirin is a travel blogger, with the best personality and a tiny flair for the dramatic. I loved the two of them together. They complemented each other well. This was a fun, holiday read and I enjoyed it.
December 19, 2022
I really enjoyed this. Not only was it a sweet story of two guys finding each other, I loved the culture that was woven into the story. Quirin was such a light and energetic guy. I loved his enthusiasm with the elevator ghost and with life in general. He was a great match for Kaimana who needed love and light in his life after struggling with his identity and parental acceptance. I liked this story.
November 16, 2022
A meeting of opposites
The two main characters couldn't be more different but fit together perfectly. This is the story of their growing love for each other when they are unexpectedly thrown together and have to share a room (and a bed). It is romantic and funny and a lovely Christmassy read.
The two main characters couldn't be more different but fit together perfectly. This is the story of their growing love for each other when they are unexpectedly thrown together and have to share a room (and a bed). It is romantic and funny and a lovely Christmassy read.
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