An Alpha for Christmas by Charity Parkerson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

So much sweetness in just a few pages. What an awesome, quick, happy read!

Austin has worked at Masters' department store for 6 years. He's living paycheck to paycheck, avoiding his family at all costs, which is why he's playing Santa's Elf on Christmas Eve.

Will Masters is part owner of Masters' department store, but he's not involved in the day to day business, which is why he volunteers to play Santa every year... to get an insider's view at his subordinates. This year he's unable to stop eyeing Austin. And when Will wants something, he gets it.

This little story had everything. It was cute, sweet, kinky, sexy and fun. Both MC's were easy to love and the story was totally fulfilling. Hot enough to melt the snow off of any frosty heart.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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Owned by Fate by Sean Michael
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I truly wanted to love this, I just couldn't. I was super excited about the whole dragon shifter trope and having a fae for a mate, but this just didn't do it for me.

There was so much sex and not enough ANYTHING ELSE. I also was completely unimpressed with the dialogue. It was super simplistic and both MC's sounded very uneducated.

This one just didn't work for me.

Arc provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Love Around the Corner by Sally Malcolm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I couldn't love this book more. This is definitely going to be an annual holiday read for me.

Alfie has an online friend that he's met through a Jane Austin fan club. They've been writing for a year now and it's finally time to meet. But when he's on his way there he runs into his nemesis, Leo. They met a year ago at a Christmas party when Alfie hit on him and Leo rudely turned him down. Ever since, they've hated each other. When Alfie's friend doesn't show, he can't help but be crushed. But maybe a Christmas miracle will bring Leo and Alfie closer.

This story reminded me of the movie You've Got Mail in a lot of ways. Maybe it was just the premise of developing a relationship online, then the letdown of being stood up, only to find your soulmate in real life.

Sally Malcolm has a way with words. This story wasn't flashy or difficult, but it was brilliant nonetheless. I couldn't stop reading it...finished in one sitting because my heart couldn't take it anymore. I had to know. HAD TO KNOW.

There were so many quotes from the classics, any bibliophile would appreciate the nod to greatness. There was nothing flimsy or flashy. It wasn't insta-love. It was a long time coming and it was worth the wait. I seriously cannot say how amazing this story was.

Give it a try and I hope you love it as much as I did. It certainly warmed my semi-grinch-like heart. (Especially the part about the hand blown tree pickles).

*Galley copy of this book generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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Rough Trade by Sidney Bell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really loved this story. It's grittier than what I usually read and I haven't read the first two books, yet I LOVED this one.

Ghost was just amazing. I loved every second of him. I loved his tenacity. And his ability to want. He just really wowed me more and more as the story went on.

It started with Ghost running from his cop 'caretaker' and Mama, the head of an underground sex slave ring. His only ally is taking him to a bear of a man, who's also a cop, named Duncan Rook.

The rest of the story is them on the lamb, learning about themselves and each other, getting closer, pushing each other away, and trying to do the right thing.

"You told me to pay for things. So I did... I'll pay for things now because you want me to... But the rest of being good...I don't know how."

Ghost was just heartbreaking and tender. I just loved how much he tried. And then there was Duncan. Oh, man. He was the most patient, passionate, understanding man.

"You're at the base of the mountain and I'm at the summit. There are things I can see that you can't."

He just got it. He got Ghost and Ghost got him and it was perfect.

Great read. Loved it all.

*Galley copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*

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Not a Game by Cardeno C.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh My Holy Fluffballs. I LOVED this!

Oliver is a six-two 290lb computer geek who's lost when it comes to relationships. He's decided that hiring an escort will help him conquer his issues, so when Jaime approaches him in the bar at the right time, he assumes he's the escort.

It's such a heartfelt story. I loved it so much. There was a bit of everything and it was perfection. I loved Oliver and his lack of confidence. I loved how it changed over the course of the story and by the end, he was sending Jaime off with his ex for a 10 day trip home.

This just had so many feelings and I'm now on a book high. So so cute. A must read.

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Christmas Prince by R.J. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

This book is one in a series of Christmas Angel stories. This story is set in the small country of Montaunoit where Prince Rafael serves as the custodian of his royal history. At an auction, his eyes meet those of Marc, who is the curator at a museum in England. Entirely smitten, the Prince writes up a business proposition to hire Marc as the curator of the Montuanoit special collection, thus moving him in to his home, granting him access to Marc.

Marc is all business. He's made a life for himself and he's worked hard for it. So, if taking this position will earn him a feather in his cap, then he's going to do it and do it well. But he's going to have to watch himself because he's got some feelings floating around when it comes to Rafael and he's hearing things... murmurs from his rooms that are pointing him in the direction of the Prince.

I loved how this story had a sloooooooooow burn. It was short, sweet and everything holiday, yet I still got that epic will they ever get togetherflutter. Rafael was entirely too charming, as you would expect, but not in a hollow way at all. He was the perfect gentleman, yet we still got glimpses of his lusty thoughts due to the dual POV's throughout the story.

I have to say, I was impressed at the royal family and their comfort with the community. It was refreshing to see how much they loved those around them and served them with excitement and it really helped with the character development of Rafael, being that he had everything he could want, but was so grounded.

Such a great holiday story. And not one to miss. This should be added to your holiday romance collection.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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A Soldier's Wish by N.R. Walker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I honestly went into this one not knowing if I'd love it, but it was unbelievable. The love was so simple, yet perfect. Beyond expectation.

It's 1969 and Gary and his friends are driving to Woodstock. They stop at a diner for breakfast and Gary sees Richard sitting alone, staring out the window. Unable to help himself, he chats him up and invites him along. Richard is leaving for Vietnam in a couple of days and this is his last moments to do all of the things he never got to do.

The book is divided into three parts: the days spent at Woodstock, the letters back and forth from Vietnam, and finally, when Richard returns home, wounded.

N.R. Walker is a skillful writer and this book was done so well. She somehow incorporated so many issues into this story. There was the whole gay being against the law, virginity, soldiers going to war, protesters, draft dodgers, returning veterans, wounded veterans, etc. It was all tackled so brilliantly.

The love that was obvious between Gary and Richard was epic. I loved their relationship, I loved their friendship with Kat.

A very satisfying holiday read. Everything you would expect from N.R. Walker.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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Home For Christmas by R.J. Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This latest book in the Texas series starts with Connor in his last year of college in Denver. He's got a friend in River that he'd like to make into something more, but he's leaving to go back to Dallas for Christmas. When he finds that River has nowhere to go, he forces him into going home with him to the D.

Connor is a fixer. He's got a huge heart and wants everyone to have what they want and to be happy. But when River has some major issues and won't let Connor in to fix them, he's at a loss of how to proceed with the relationship. Connor's dads, Riley and Jack are perfect. They are the epitome of what a supportive, healthy, loving family means and they waste no time letting River into their fold.

But, for River, all of this love and family is overwhelming. He's got a shady past that he's kept secret and doesn't know how he'll ever fit in.

The characters of River and Connor were so very different from each other. Connor is an open book. He wears his heart on his sleeve and I loved that about him. He's always looking for ways to make everyone happy, which fulfills him. On the opposite end of the spectrum is River. He holds everything in, building up walls around his heart. I loved how Connor was able to tear them down with words. I loved how he gave his whole self to River and how River was able to accept his family as his own.

The family dynamic was just awesome to read. Jack and Riley were so different as well and they made it work so well for them and their family. They knew each other so well and were able to show that understanding and love and be an example and it was really refreshing to read. I truly enjoyed the familial theme of this story and the bonds that were so easily created with love.

As ever, R.J. Scott's writing was impressive and engrossing, leaving me wanting more of Connor and River's story. I always feel part of the action, like I'm sitting in the backseat of the car with the characters and I love that about her writing. Another awesome adventure.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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Breathe by Sloan Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The forgiveness was astounding. I just can't even process. This book was so beautifully written about the loss of a wife and the forgiveness of the man who was at fault.

My heart just ached throughout the entire book. Over and over the MC's wrestled with how to live with themselves and with each other and it was tough. Reading this was tough, but it was so worth it. The love that came from the mistakes and the guilt and the forgiveness was just extraordinary.

To Sloan Parker, thank you for writing this. I loved every page and I'm pretty sure I'll take many parts of this story with me.

*Arc generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*

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His Cocky Cellist by Cole McCade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The seductive way that Cole McCade writes is just so captivating. I'm overly impressed with his ability to describe objects and make them dance off the page.

His Cocky Cellist is the second book in the series, but I honestly think it could be read as a stand alone. There was only one section in the beginning that mentioned Ash and and Brand and it wasn't detrimental to the story.

I'm not going to regurgitate the blurb here because while the story was entertaining on many fronts, its the writing that is so exquisite. The words just stand out and create such a beautiful masterpiece. It's just awesome. There was a fair amount of kink in this, but it was so well done and written in a way that it wasn't distasteful in the slightest.

When the story started, I didn't think I'd like Amani. He seemed like a snotty twenty year old who was tired of being taken advantage of, thereby not giving Vic the benefit of the doubt, in any way. The story seemed to mimic Pretty Woman in some aspects, which was fine, but then I laughed when Vic mentioned 'going all Richard Gere'.

The more I got into it, the more I loved both Amani and Vic and after some of the past was unraveled, it became obvious how selfless Vic was and how determined he was to try to make everyone happy. I really enjoyed getting to know Vic's character and would have loved a longer story, but was thrilled with the HEA.

Overall, this was a charming addition to the Undue Arrogance series and if you enjoyed the first book, you'll love this one.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
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Memories Follow by S.C. Wynne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars rounded up

This story was delightfully satisfying. I literally could not put it down and now I'm on a book high.

Scottie has tried to forget about a horrible incident that happened to him five years ago. He's moved across the country and he's become isolated and socially awkward.

Lance is a bartender in New York City. He's been burned in the past and has spent the last couple of years picking up random guys and never seeing them again. When he walks into the vet's office with his mom's dog and sees Scottie, he puts on his douchebag cocky attitude and tries to get a minute alone with him. But Scottie's way too scared of him.

When they run into each other again, they both can't escape the feeling that is pulling them both together. But will Scottie ever open up? And what if Lance can't handle what happened to him?

Oh, man. I have to say, at first I didn't know if I'd make it through the story. It started off a little rough. I thought Lance was awful. It took me a while to really feel anything but anxiety when he spoke to Scottie, but he was so sweet with him and said the best things and was so real.

The dialogue between them was so great, and the writing was phenomenal. I loved the way Scottie's people took care of him and welcomed Lance into his life. They both had such great support, which helped make the relationship believable. And that's one thing this was... believable. I loved every moment of their relationship.

Again, I can't say enough. Such a sweet, wholly satisfying read.

*Arc generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*

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Drawn to You by Jaclyn Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

What is better than a few tattoo artists by the beach making jokes and creating families? This book contained so much depth and magnitude. It was a pretty awesome read.

I loved both Jake and Eli. They are both tattoo artists at Inkubus, where Jake is also the owner. Eli seems to have it all... a big, loud, tight-knit family that is very close. But he's always wanted more from the repeated single nights he's had with Jake.

When Jake came out to his family, his parents basically wrote him off. All he had left was his brother, Kevin, his wife Maggie and their two boys, Nick and Dylan. Feeling like he was never good enough, he was afraid to give Eli anything more. But when an accident takes Kevin and Maggie, Jake's finding out that family is what you make it to be, and it's the most important thing there is.

I fell hard for Eli from the start. He was THAT brother who was the peacemaker and the one who tried so hard to make everyone happy. It was all he could do to put himself first and try to walk away from what he so badly wanted. I loved how fiercely he loved Jake and the boys and how much faith he had in them.

The change in Jake was written so well. It took a while to get there, but I enjoyed how much his staff became family and the elderly neighbors became family to him when he desperately needed that comfort. Family was the theme here and it definitely weaved its way through the story bringing a much needed HEA in it's rays.

The staff of Inkubus all have so much personality and so much strength I can't wait to continue reading this series. It's off to a brilliant start!

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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Christmas Lane by Amy Aislin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

This was a heartwarming tale of two men, with seemingly nothing in common, finding love in unexpected places.

Holland Stone has a running problem. He’s switched careers multiple times. He’s been in a couple relationships that didn’t last. All he wants is to settle down with someone for the long haul, but he’s set his sights on Zach, who’s 15 years younger. And might possibly leave. Or stay. Or break his heart.

I really got into the story and enjoyed both Holland and Zach. With the age difference you frequently find a creep factor or something distasteful but this was done really well, even though Holland was Zach’s former 3rd grade teacher.

I loved the supporting cast of Holland’s friends as well as multiple members of their small town. I loved how adult their relationship was and how open they seemed to be.

I was bothered by the relationship that Zach had with Alana. She seemed like a spoiled, selfish sister and I’m not sure where that was intended to go.

Even though Holland and Zach’s relationship became physical, all of the ‘activity’ took place off page, so while that may appeal to some, this book was sweeter than spicy.

I’m intrigued enough to watch out for the next book in the series, which I’m hoping with be Clark and Dev.

*Galley copy provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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Neutral Zone: A Christmas Railers Novella by R.J. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

I have really come to love this series. I'm not a major hockey fan, but I know the game and I have to say, R.J. Scott knows her hockey and she knows her way around a romance.

This was a bonus book, if you will, about Tennant Rowe after his traumatic head injury. He's been sent to therapy in Tucson, Arizona, which may as well be on the other side of the world from Harrisburg, the ice, and Jared Madsen.

I loved how you could feel the love between them both through the words that were written. I could feel the ache in them both at being apart. I don't want to give the story away, so I'll just say there is a scene when Jared is alone, frozen to the bone and feeling selfish that is just so heart-wrenching/heart-warming at the same time. I've come to expect a lot out of an R.J. Scott story and this did not disappoint.

If you have missed Ten and Mads like I have, you'll absolutely LOVE this addition to their story.

*Galley copy generously given by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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Christmas Kitsch by Amy Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh Amy Lane. I just don't even know what to say. I want to give this book ALL OF THE STARS!

There were so many lessons and morals and FEELINGS in this book. It was so much about prejudice and hate and family and love and kindness and offering your heart to others.

Both Oliver and Rusty had me from the start. I love love loved how sweet they both were and how Rusty missed pretty much every hint, impression or poke that Oliver gave him. He was so oblivious and it was so cute. And then when he went dark for a couple of days, his roommate Rex turned into family. That was an awesome scene.

Oliver was patient, until he wasn't. He was so in love with Rusty that you couldn't help rooting for anything Oliver wanted. I just wanted to buy him a bed already!

I don't think that there are many books out there that have me wanting to invite the MC's for dinner and a cuddle. I wanted to do that with each and every character in this book. I loved how simply and fully Oliver's family loved and gave to Rusty. There is so much generosity in this book. There are so many truths. I honestly can't say enough wonderful things about this book. You just have to read it yourself.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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Accidentally on Purpose by J.M. Snyder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can't stop laughing. This was such a great book. I can't think of the last book I read that had me smiling so much.

Alan is 53 and he's got a major crush on a cop who's 42. He's made a fool of himself by literally running into him at the coffee shop, stalking him at the mall and having his nephew, Brooks, stay out past curfew to be brought home by him. But it worked... Jim smiles and laughs and takes his chances on Alan each and every time.

Jim was so awesome. I loved him from the start. He cut through the bull and got right down to business. And he cracked me up throughout the entire book, but especially in the bedroom. He was so silly and sweet and impatient. And it was obvious that Alan was made for him.

I loved the way the two fit together. And even though Brooks took their relationship to extreme measures, I did love how much he was invested in their happiness. It was a real treat to read and such a fun ride. I really loved every moment of it.

There were so many sweet and funny exchanges throughout the story and I was thrilled with they way it all played out. I only wish there was more to read.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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Stay A Little Longer by Jess Bryant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I can read an insta-love/insta-lust book about a famous person and a cop and not be able to put it down, it's gotta be killer writing. I mean, not many can get away with it.

This was done so well. There was ZERO cringe factor. Plenty of loving, plenty of sweet words whispered and pleaded and they were so perfect.

This story is about two men who've lived in the closet their entire lives and never once thought they'd be OUT, yet Trent is outed very publicly by someone he trusted. As he tries to escape the press and craziness that surrounds him, he meets small down Sheriff's Deputy Lance. He's got a cement door and seventeen dead bolts for his closet, yet he smashes it down in minutes for Trent. And then it's ON.

Both Trent and Lance gripped me from the start, but so did Lemon and Shane. The little town of Fate, Texas was a wonderful backdrop to this romantic tale of trust and love and being honest with yourself.

Believe it when I say that this was absolutely worth the read. Jess Bryant delved into the genre of MM Romance in a big way and I'm excited to read more from her.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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A Touch of a Brogue by Christine Danse
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Eric is a food critic. He writes for a well known Portland publication and is taken seriously for his reviews. When his former boyfriend asked him to write a bad review for a new Irish restaurant that was his direct competition, Eric did it. Six months later, he's ashamed.

Colm literally moved his Irish restaurant across the world to Portland and now it's failing because of a bad review months ago. No matter what he does, he can't seem to get ahead. But when he meets Mark, there's an instant connection and he finds that maybe things could work out for him, at least in the personal aspect. That is, until he finds out that Mark is really Eric, the man who ruined his business.

I enjoyed the story. I liked how badly Eric wanted to make up for his poor choices and how he ultimately did, and paid a high price. I found the story to be somewhat slow in the first half, however. The end made up for the slowness, however I'd have liked to have delved a bit deeper into their connection.

Overall, I enjoyed the read and it was quick and fun.

*Arc provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

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Mr. Frosty Pants by Leta Blake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Everything about this was awesome. Second chances, friends to lovers, angst, longing, heartbreak. It was all there and so well done.

Casey and Joel were best friends growing up, but they kept secrets from each other. Namely, their sexual preferences, but also the abusive families they were living with. But now they are all grown up and are coming to terms with the future and what they want.

Casey is home for Christmas from NYU with only one semester left. He has an idea of what he wants to do with his life, but it doesn't exactly mesh with what his father wants. And he's tried to threaten him before with completely cutting him off, so he's attached by strings that's he's been afraid to cut.

When he sees Joel for the first time in years, all of the feelings he had for the man have come back full force and now he's realizing it was love then and it still is. But Joel doesn't want his poor, lonely, useless life for Casey. Casey has the ability to have it all and he wants just that for him.

This book was so beautifully written. I kept having to put it down and take a breath. The exchanges between Casey and Joel were so intense and heartbreaking and hopeful. They truly bared their souls to each other and Leta Blake's words created so many emotions. I was very impressed.

I fell for Casey and Joel hard and fast. I wanted the happily ever after for them so badly and I was not let down. This kept me in suspense and I absolutely could not put it down. What a tremendous story of love prevailing and strength of trust.

*Galley copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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Life In Union by Ethan Day
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What can I say? I'm really going to miss Wade and Boone. And Gabe and Chip. And Rocky and Dixie. You get the picture...

As the latest in the series, this book covers pretty much every holiday from Halloween to Memorial Day and a bit more. It's the end of single life for Wade and Boone and they aren't done getting used to living together, planning their lives together, making fun of each other, and meeting the town of Summit City.

I have loved getting to know Boone throughout these books. He's been such a fun loving, witty, wise, charming, sarcastic, quick talking break from reality that I'm going to feel the loss of in my reading. And as much as I hadn't warmed up to Wade after they first got together, he's really grown on me in the last two books and I've loved reading his character evolve and become someone who is just so full of love for Boone.

There were so many great parts of this book that I laughed out loud at and I felt like this was the one that all of the stops were taken out for. It was like the grand finale fireworks. An example of Ethan Day's prose at it's finest:

"I was completely prepared to dislike you when we first met...But you're like this unhospitable fungus that continues to thrive in any environment and I fear I've simply gotten used to having you around at this stage."

I think my favorite part, though, was the Mystery Science Theater selection between Gabe and Boone. It's worth the read just to get there.

I must say, Mr. Day, that you've given me a reprieve for a few hours where I was able to fully divest myself in the world of Summit City and all it's backwards, crazy, fun loving ways. And I thank you for that. This is definitely one of the best.

I leave this one question... What happened to Tommy???!!!

*Arc graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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Bishop Ridge by Cate Ashwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Honestly, I can’t decide which book I liked more... I’m thinking this one!

As much fun as it was getting to know Gage and Holden, I thoroughly enjoyed Logan and Jackson’s story as well.

We met Logan in Alaska as the third doctor in the hospital who wasn’t looking for love at all. In fact he was pretty happy to be relegated to a life long bachelor. But when Jackson walks into the office, he can’t resist the pull.

What starts off as a one night stand with no strings ends up a cobweb if feelings and entanglements that keep the burn going and going.

When an author can write a steamy one nighter and keep the story going with a burn factor off the charts, you know it’s an incredible read.

As far as the characters go, I was smitten. Both of them were full on love ‘em and leave ‘em types, which generally make me cringe, but there was just something between them from the start that was just so magical.

Yeah, this is definitely a book to read and love and read again. Way to go, Cate Ashwood. You’ve made a follower out of me.

*Galley copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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Checked Baggage: A Thanksgiving Romance by Valentine Wheeler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Okay well this was short and sweet and perfect!

Faris was in Lebanon attending his grandmothers funeral and taking care of some family business. When he gets to the airport for his flight home for Thanksgiving, he finds all the flights through Europe have been canceled. While waiting in line for a new series of connections he runs into Charlie.

Charlie’s trying to find a connection to his family since he’s only got his mother left. He was hoping to find living relatives in Lebanon but only found solitude.

When they both have the evening to kill before their flights the next day they decide to find a hotel room. Of course there’s only one left in the city with one bed...

In the small space, Charlie gets Faris to open up and talk about his life and his family and friends. When they start to feel a connection, Charlie makes a move.

The sex is off-page, but I it doesn't deter at all from the sweetness of the story. I found myself truly invested in both Faris and Charlie's happiness and was sad when the book ended so quickly. There was so much awesomeness that took place in those few pages and so much character reveal. Amazing writing. I want more!

*Arc provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

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Crossroads by Garrett Leigh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you’ve read any (or hopefully ALL) of the Skins books, you’ll love this holiday update by Garrett Leigh. It features Angelo and Dylan, but also involves Harry and Joe, and Rhys and Jevon and the community that surrounds Whisper Farm.

Angelo has been staying at Whisper Farm in Cornwall getting his physio with Harry and learning how to manage his illness. With Dylan working in the city and commuting back and forth on odd weekends, they are miserable and missing each other.

When Dylan comes down for Christmas and everyone is together, it’s a great chance to catch up with each of the characters from Skins and get a glimpse into what life is like after the last page.

Garrett Leigh writes love and angst and passion so well, and this short novella is no exception. There is pain, there are jokes, there is an abundance of sexy scenes and, of course, Joe, who I just will never get enough of and will personally love forever. This is a great added bonus book and very much everything you’d expect and just in time for the holidays!

*Arc copied provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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Life in Fusion by Ethan Day
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Life in Fusion picked up exactly where Sno Ho left off, with Boone just back from his trip to Colorado after meeting and falling in love with Wade, the gold medal skier and town golden boy.

It was interesting to me how this book really pulled me in. I'd already read about Boone and Wade meeting, falling in love, then separating with the promise of Boone moving to Colorado after six months, to ensure the relationship went beyond the physical.

And boy, this book sure didn't skimp on the physical. And it was HOT, but it went beyond that. We still got the super snarky Boone with his whorish out there personality and his inner vulnerability. I found that the more vulnerable he was, the more I actually LIKED Wade, which was a relief, because I'd been questioning his character in Sno Ho.

This story was packed with day to day goings on, parties, work, meeting the parents, friends, accidents, exes, etc. So many different times and places that things could go wrong, yet they managed to get it all right, with an edge and a lot of fast talking from Boone.

On to the next in the series... I can't wait!

*Galley copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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Love Happens Anyway by R.J. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was so different that what I was expecting when I saw the cover. This was not a trivial, corny holiday romance. This totally had me feeling things, like EMOTIONS. I don't do that. So yeah, I loved this.

Derek just took over the marketing company that his dad and his grandfather built. Now, as the boss, he feels the degree of separation from his friends and coworkers. He's lost the camaraderie and friendship now that he wears the title of BOSS. Plus, his parents know best and they know he'd be happier if he had a boyfriend. In an effort to get through the holidays, he hires a boyfriend. Now, this is where I typically roll my eyes and find another book. But there was something so touching to me about Derek. He wasn't a jerk. He needed direction and someone in his life. He had me from the start. I mean, who could turn their back on a guy who said, "I need you to make me look normal tonight. It broke my heart.

So, Luke is a firefighter who was hurt in the line of duty. He was released from his job and now carries a limp. He's got the best heart out there and is just a little lost. Having inherited a bar from his dad and grandfather who were both in the service, he wanted to ensure that their legacy was intact. He needed the money and so he said yes to being Derek's boyfriend.

It didn't take long for them to realize that they were good together. They mended each others broken bits and found that they could make the other smile. I loved the way they loved each other.

I loved the aspect of 9/11 and how reverent it was spoken of. I loved that they created a legacy for those who served, those who lost loved ones, those who survived. It brought together family and it added so much heart to this story.

In the end, family was the theme. Derek grew so much in the few pages of this story and it was an epic transformation. Luke had so much love and gave it so freely. It was a seriously awesome story and I'm so happy to have read it.

*Arc provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*

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Walking In A Winter Wonderland by Claire Castle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have a love/hate relationship with novellas. I love the quick draw in. I love that there isn't enough time for games. It gets real very quickly and is just enough to give you that boost of romance when you need it.

I hate that you don't get much character depth and I'm not into the whole idea of insta-love, which is typically what happens in a novella. I like a sweet, slow burn.

Claire Castle has a way with words. This novella was everything I love, and somehow she managed to skip the insta-love and give me a little burn too. It was a wonderful surprise.

The story took place over the Christmas holidays with Colton just moving to town and Winter visiting for the season. Winter was carefree and sweet and seemed to have an endless need to make people happy and it was very charming. I loved that he was described as a rugged lumberjack, yet was such a gentle guy. Colton had a bit of a rough relationship in the past, so he was more emotional and reserved, but had such a wild side that was super fun to explore. I loved how much they loved each other. The strength of the relationship jumped off the page and felt very real.

This was a fun, sweet, sexy holiday romance with a HEA very low on angst and totally worth the read.

*Galley copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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Spread by Serene Franklin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm dead. Seriously, I had NO idea that I would be this blown away.

So many feelings.

So much patience.

So much love and caring and understanding.

So much filthy French.

After being in love with his straight best friend forever, Theo has cut ties to pretty much everyone in his life but his brother, Jamie. He spends his days working for his father in mergers and acquisitions and his nights with nameless men.

When he feels the weight of Masamune's stare at a bar, he feels like luck is on his side. But something about this interaction feels different. And Theo doesn't think he deserves anything but hurt.

Oh, man. I don't even know where to start. Taking it from the top, I was unsure when I first started reading because the writing seemed choppy to me. It was very descriptive of every single detail, which totally bugged me. It took a while for me to really get into the story because of this and the fact that it seemed looooong. But then Masa was introduced and I couldn't stop reading. I was smitten with him from the start. He was strong and sure and just so happy. And I loved how he looked at new experiences like he was a young child. Completely unabashed.

I loved the way he made Theo feel like he was worthy of happiness. Theo wasn't a very strong MC at the start and it took me a while to really respect his character, but the more he relaxed and became self aware of his relationship and feelings the more I fell in love with him. And honestly, these two MC's have literally become some of my very favorites.

Theo's brother Jamie was also a hidden gem. He was so gracious and his love for his brother was so deep and unconditional and it translated into a deep love for Masa, which was just everything.

Like I said, it was slow to start but definitely worth the wait. I loved it so much and I'm positive I'll end up reading it over and over. I can't wait to see more from Serene Franklin in the future.

*A galley copy of this book was generously supplied by the author in exchange for an honest review. Will be cross posted on http://gaybook.reviews/ *

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