Christmas Falls Season 2 Book 3: 12 Dates of Christmas by Brigham Vaughn

 

Christmas Falls Season 2 Book 3

Leo Fenner needs a Christmas miracle …

Charmed by the small town, and weary of the big city dating scene, Leo moved to Christmas Falls in hopes of finding love like his college friend, Hayden.

Nick Morgan had the love of his life and lost her, but is determined to help others find their happily ever after with his matchmaking service.

His website needs work though, and Leo is just the man for the job.

The web developer signs up for Nick’s matchmaking service to get a feel for what the process is like, all while secretly hoping it’ll bring him the love of his dreams.

But as Nick and Leo work together, the sparks between them are impossible to ignore.

Too bad there’s a few little problems.

For one, Nick’s never fallen for a man before. And, oh yeah—those dates he’s planning for Leo? They’re supposed to be with other guys …

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217273124-12-dates-of-christmas

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Leo hasn’t had luck when it comes to love. But he is hoping that by moving to Christmas Falls he will finally find love! He has heard the stories and even his best friend had his own happy ending. Leo is ready for it to be his turn. For a while he has been helping Nick put together his website for his matchmaking service. And as an extra treat, Nick has offered to help Leo. But all Leo seems to find are terrible dates. And he also can’t help but start crushing on Nick. Probably not the best combo when finding love. For Nick, he lost his wife three years ago and hasn’t really gotten over it. He loves his matchmaking business because he wants others to find the love of their lives despite losing his own. And for the first time in a very long time, he is starting to get feelings. But is he really ready to open himself up to Leo? These two definitely deserved their happy ending! And it is well worth the wait. Nick has a lot to overcome and Leo knows he is worth the wait if he can give them a chance. I loved watching these two slowly fall in love and be ready to take a chance on one another. It was truly such a sweet story! Another great addition to Christmas Falls. Can’t wait for more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Baby for Christmas by Keira Andrews

 

Can a lost single dad and a lonely cowboy find love—and the family of their dreams?

Jake

Becoming a single father definitely wasn’t in my plans. It’s the toughest challenge of my life, especially with my parents gone, but my little girl means the world to me. I’m driving her home to the Rockies for her first Christmas—and because I took a boneheaded shortcut, we’re stranded in the middle of nowhere.

With a blizzard closing in. Fast.

I’m more scared than I’ve ever been when a gruff, gorgeous cowboy gallops to our rescue.

Why does he look so familiar?

Cam

I was a skinny geek in high school with a hopeless crush on Jake—until he revealed his true colors. He’s a backstabbing coward, and I haven’t missed him one bit since he moved to the big city. I spend my days with my dog, my horse, and my yaks. I don’t do people.

Now of all the people in the damn world, he’s on my ranch. Stranded with his tiny, helpless baby.

I can’t abandon them to freeze—even though it means bringing Jake to my cabin to get snowed in. Even though I’ll be trapped with the only man I’ve ever loved.

Even though I only have one bed.

A Baby for Christmas by Keira Andrews is a steamy LGBTQ+ romance featuring a bisexual single dad at the end of his rope, a lonely demisexual cowboy who likes to take charge, hate to love, and of course a happy ending.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221082515-a-baby-for-christmas

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

In his desperation to beat the snowstorm, Jake tries to take a shortcut back into his hometown. But he’s been gone a while and the storm is chasing him and his car decides to breakdown! Not the best when he is essentially stranded in the middle of nowhere with a baby to take care of. Lucky for him he is rescued by a cowboy who happened to hear his daughter’s cries. Unlucky for him, it’s Cam. The boy from high school and the one who probably hates him after what Jake did. He’s never forgiven himself for hurting Cam after what happened and by the look in Cam’s eyes after realizing it was him, well Cam doesn’t exactly look pleased to see him either. But a lot has changed since then. Cam can’t believe the guy he rescued in Jake. He has been angry with Jake for a long time, but he isn’t so heartless to leave him stranded. Especially when Jake has a baby. He brings them back to his cabin to wait out the storm. And the more time they spend together, the harder it is for Cam to hold on to the past. They have a lot to unleash and when they do, old feelings will spark. I really loved this story! Nothing like the second chance, one bed, and single dad tropes to reel you in. I loved how Cam and Jake got a chance to hash out the past and begin to heal and develop feelings for one another. Their story was super sweet! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Christmas on Stardust Lane by Garrett Leigh

 

A scarred ex-biker with a hardened soul. The hot new nurse in town guarding his own bruised heart.

Tam Dubois is used to being alone. With a body that bears the marks of his mistakes, he’s grown to like it. But scratching out a living with pen and ink is tough, the numbers don’t work, and the only solution he can think of gives him the opposite of Christmas cheer.

A lodger.

It’s the last thing he wants, but like most things in life, it happens anyway, and the stranger he’s so keen to avoid turns out not to be a stranger at all,

It’s him.

Tam can’t believe it--and he doesn’t want to. But matters of the heart don’t play by the rules, and as Christmas approaches, love might just prove the greatest gift of all…

If they’re brave enough to unwrap it.

Christmas On Stardust Lane is a steamy, angsty MM holiday romance. Expect: forced proximity, hurt/comfort, and a chaotic canine with a bad case of little dog syndrome. If you love MM romance, holiday love stories, and the magic of two damaged hearts finding their way, Christmas on Stardust Lane delivers the perfect festive read.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217776577-christmas-on-stardust-lane

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

Tam is used to being alone but when he needs a bit of extra cash, he gives into his brother’s idea of renting out his annex. What he doesn’t expect is that new lodger to be the gorgeous man who tried to convince Tam to go the hospital when it was clear Tam broke his wrist. Well, now that Bodhi is actually living near Tam, he definitely can’t get out of it. What surprises both of them more is the easy friendship that builds between them even when it is clear the attraction between them is even stronger. But both have been burned in the past. And neither want yet another broken heart. However, the more time they spend together, the more the walls around them begin to break down. And it’s only a matter of time before they both fall. Tam and Bodhi are great together. They are exactly what one another needs. To take care of one another and actually care about the other person in all the ways that matter. I loved watching their friendship build into something more. They both deserve a happy ending after all they have been through!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Love and Travels Book 2: Winnie Takes Paris by Lane Hayes

 

Love and Travels Book 2

The stylist, the absentminded professor, and a Parisian adventure…

Winnie

Someone once said, when life gets you down and you’re feeling blue, you should brush yourself off…and go to Paris.

Okay, maybe that was me. I said it and I don’t regret taking an oddball assignment to assist a British professor abroad. I could use a break from my life as an aspiring hair and cosmetic guru in LA. And c’mon, it’s Paris!

So what if I don’t know the language and have a hard time reading maps? I’m nothing if not resourceful. What could go possibly wrong?

Alistair…that’s what.

In a twist, I have a thing for an impossibly smart geek with mismatched socks who just happens to be my best friend’s boss. This can’t be good.

Alistair

I’ve been called an absent-minded professor more than once. I don’t mind at all. My work is important and living on a diet of biscuits and tea while delving into ancient civilization doesn’t seem like terrible thing. But Paris calls. And somehow, I have a new temporary assistant. 

Winnie is a technicolor, whirlwind American with a wicked laugh and the subtlety of a steamroller. He’s brash and ridiculous and…funny, warm, lovely, and—

Oh no. This can’t be happening.

Winnie can take Paris, but he can’t take my heart.

Or can he?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217236056-winnie-takes-paris

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

When Winnie’s best friend asks him for a favor, Winnie can’t say no when the favor includes a trip to Paris! All he has to do is be an assistant to an absent-minded professor for a month in their stay in Paris for a big conference. Should be easy right? But this professor isn’t anything like Winnie expected. This sweet, endearing man who sure can be a little absent-minded, but is clearly passionate about his work. Winnie is enchanted and determined to show Alastair a little fun outside of his love of history and books. Alistair knows he is in trouble the moment he spots Winnie. Winnie is full of life and color and funny and just everything Alistair could ever hope to want but feels like he could never be a part of. But Alistair soon finds himself being drawn out of his research and discovers what life can really be like when he isn’t working. And it’s a life he so desperately would love with Winnie by his side. Winnie may not believe that Alistair could ever settle with someone like him, so he’ll enjoy what they have now. But could there be a future between them? I loved how these two opposites balanced one another so well! They were so adorable and not afraid to be themselves, especially around one another. The love between them was bright and colorful and you were cheering for them to be together. Definitely a fun story! You don’t want to miss this one.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Chicago Thunder Hockey Book 3: Defensive Zone by Jodi Oliver

 

Chicago Thunder Hockey Book 3

Zach

Since I was six years old, my world has revolved around two things: Carter Lockwood and hockey.

We made a pact in college before we turned pro to always put each other first. To make each other our priority, but being in love with your straight best friend can make that hard, especially when you have to watch them fall in love with someone else.

I don’t want to break my best friend's heart to save my own, but I need to put some space between us to save our friendship.

Only this time, it’s not just the defensive zone I’m protecting, but also my heart.

Carter

From the moment I met Zach Reid, we were inseparable.

Nobody really understands why I always wanted to be with him. Our relationship is what some people call codependent, but he’s been my favorite person for over two decades, and life is always calmer when he’s around.

But something changed between us over the summer, and I started to see him in a different way.

Then the pact we made in college started to fall apart, along with my football career.

I don’t know what happened or how to make it right, but there’s one thing I know for certain.

I’m lost without him.

Defensive Zone is a childhood best friends to lovers sports romance featuring a hockey player and football player. It includes unrequited love, a bi-awakening, mutual pining and all the Thunder found family vibes.

It is book three in the Chicago Thunder series and can be read as a standalone.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202036700-defensive-zone

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Zach and Carter have been best friends since they were six years old. They’ve been inseparable since then and even when they are apart because of their careers as pro athletes, they find a way to see one another and they talk all the time. But there is a small problem. Zach has been in love with Carter since they were ten. He may have not realized what he was feeling at that age, but once he was old enough to realize it, well he knew he was in trouble. Throughout the years Zach has promised himself that he would do what he could to protect his heart. Trying to create some distance to no avail. But this is the summer he finally can’t do it. Not when he sees Carter meet someone new and believe that she could be the one. It’s time to break away. And he does it. He keeps his distance even when it hurts and especially when Carter looks at him like he broke his heart as well. Meanwhile, Carter has no clue what Zach feels for him. He is oblivious and in the dark. But things have been stirring in him for a long time when it comes to Zach. Something he just seem to get a name on. And things are about to change. Because with Zach suddenly avoiding him, Carter’s heart is breaking. It’s only a matter of time until Carter can finally open his eyes and see what has been right in front of him the whole time. I adored Carter and Zach. It was clear from the beginning that these two are soulmates. It was just getting Carter to catch up on he knew deep down. Because once they finally get everything out in the open, it’s a big moment of oh, we’ve could have been doing this the whole time. I loved their deep meaningful friendship and seeing how it bloomed into something more. A happy ending for all despite the bumps along the way. We get such great characters in this series and I cannot wait for more!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Longwood U Book 1: Rumor Has It by Crea Reitan

 

Longwood U Book 1

The shiver of something new …

Dak

I don’t know what it is about this man that has captivated me like no one else. It’s made me question everything I think I know about myself. But that’s fine - I’ll obsess from afar until I graduate and move on with my life.

Then I’m handed an exclusive invitation to Rumor, the frat’s ‘gay chicken’ club that performs in front of a camera. The one who doesn’t back out first wins cash. Thinking maybe I can clear up this curiosity once and for all if I try my hand at dick, I go.

Imagine my surprise when the man I’m paired with is none other than the one guy that’s caught my attention. My only problem is the cameras freak me out and I know one of these times when I run, it’ll be the last time I see him.

Sparrow

Rumor is a game for straight men to use whatever excuse they can come up with to get acquainted with a dick not their own. I’m the unbeatable - a fan favorite. But I have a secret - I’m already gayer than a pink unicorn wearing a tutu. Still, I get invited back time and time again.

It’s all business until the most beautiful brown eyes look at me and the sexiest body is pressed against mine. However, this fucking man keeps running away. Thankfully, I’m able to give him private lessons in fucking a man, something I’m all to happy to oblige.

But Dak is more than just a good time. He’s a threat to everything I think I know, forcing me to acknowledge that maybe there’s something deeper between us.

Rumor has it all it takes is a single person to turn your life upside down. I think I just met that person and I’m not sure which way is up or if I’m going to crash and burn before I find the surface.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217829453-rumor-has-it

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

The next generation has arrived! If you are a fan of Crea’s work then you know how big her universe is with all her books. Well, it just got bigger when we jump some years and get the kids of our favorite characters. And I guess you’ll have to read to find out exactly who makes an appearance! Our story follows Dak and Sparrow. For months now, Dak has noticed this one guy on campus and cannot seem to look away. What is it about this man that draws him in? Dak grew up with three dads, he figured if he swung toward men he would know by now. Or could he just like this one man in particular? He isn’t sure. But when he gets a card from Rumor, well he is about to find out. Rumor is known on campus to be run by a fraternity that has found a way to make money by filming essentially a game of gay chicken. Dak figures it may not hurt to check out and maybe this will give him some answers. But what happens when the guy he has been crushing on is the guy he is paired with? Well things are about to get interesting. Sparrow is an unbeatable champ at Rumor. At this point he sees it as easy money and a way to hook up at least in some sense. What really gets him is the fact that he is in fact gay and no one has picked up on it. That and the fact that he has become a bit of a favorite on the site. Sparrow rolls with it. But then he sees Dak and he is drawn to him. Even with Dak proves to be a flight risk who never gets far in their game but always return just for Sparrow. But something has got to give eventually. Then what will become of these two? I loved seeing this next generation! I loved learning more about Dak and Sparrow and watching them fall in love. Their journey is so interesting and unique and I just couldn’t put it down. I loved getting to meet new characters where I want books for them all! This story was long in the best way. We got to see a pretty long journey with Sparrow and Dak with their relationship. We got to see who they are, their best friends who are family to them, and we got to see them really grow. Great story all around and I can’t wait to see them more in future books and also get the next person’s story! I think this is just gonna be another great addition to this universe! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Christmas Falls Season 2 Book 2: Flake It Til You Make It by Beth Bolden

 

Christmas Falls Season 2 Book 2

It's beginning to taste a lot like Christmas . . .

When Rocco Moretti gets the chance to buy a coffee shop in a small Illinois town, it feels like a miracle. And in true Christmas Falls tradition, Jolly Java is a holiday-flavored one.

He sets up shop and starts experimenting with recipes. The only problem? His changes go over like a piece of coal on Christmas morning. Instead of serving up cups of holiday cheer, he's getting a solid "bah humbug" vibe from the town.

He needs another miracle, stat.

Enter Deputy Mayor Taylor Hall.

Taylor wants the mayor's job when she retires, but his holiday dream is melting because he doesn't have a family to win over the voters. The mayor told him even a boyfriend would help.

The only problem? Taylor doesn't have one.

But Rocco needs the town's acceptance, and what better way than dating the deputy mayor? Faking it till they make it will be a means to an end. That's all.

But sharing the holiday season wins over more than the town's hearts. With each date, each mistletoe kiss, and every steamy night in front of the fire, it wins over theirs as well.

Come Christmas morning, there's really only one miracle Rocco wants under his tree.

For the love they've been faking to become real.

Christmas Season 2 revisits a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie. It's a multi-author M/M romance series.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217326791-flake-it-til-you-make-it

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Loving being back in Christmas Falls! And this time we have Rocco and Taylor’s story! Rocco Moretti knows he messed up. He bought Jolly Java with so much hope that he could make it a success. Mixing the old and new. But perhaps he was a bit too ambitious with his menu. And in doing so he scared off the locals. Now barely anyone comes into his shop. He needs a bit of help getting back into the town’s good graces. Enter Taylor Hall. Taylor has been in Christmas Falls for the last four years as the deputy mayor and when a spot on the town council opens up, he wants it more than ever. But his boss, the current mayor, advises him that he needs to step out from behind the scenes and be seen by those in town doing good. And it doesn’t help if he is in a relationship either. And when Rocco comes up with the crazy idea that the two of them should pretend to date to help one another? Well both are a bit desperate. And it doesn’t help that the two of them may already have a crush on each other. But a real relationship isn’t a good idea…right? Well, we’ll see how long these two last! I really loved Rocco and Taylor’s story! It was also a big reminder that I still need to read the other Morettis’s stories! Especially after seeing them make some cameos. But Rocco and Taylor were so sweet. I loved how these two fell in love and took their time as they figured out if they could take the chance on one another. Another great addition to this series!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Pretend You’re Mine by Denver Shaw

 

A fake relationship with real consequences—will love be enough to heal the wounds of the past?

Creed

I’ve hit rock bottom. 

Dishonorably discharged, haunted by my time in the military, and freezing my ass off sleeping in the backseat of my car, I’m barely surviving. 

Then a chance encounter with enigmatic billionaire Avery Branson results in an unbelievable offer I can't refuse—pose as his boyfriend for his high-society family, and in return, I’ll get the money I desperately need.

It sounds simple enough, but there’s one I’ve spent my whole life pretending to be someone I’m not, and he's asking me to show the part of me I swore no one would ever see.

But the more time I spend with him, the harder it is to remember why I'm pretending.

He’s everything I shouldn’t want, but somehow, I can’t stay away.

Avery

Creed is the last person I expected to fall for—rough around the edges, emotionally closed off, and clearly running from something. 

But with my mother pressuring me to get married for the good of the family business, I needed someone who could play the part, and Creed was desperate enough to accept.

I thought I could keep things simple, strictly business. 

But every time I peel back another layer of his armor, I want more. 

And I’m starting to think this fake relationship might be the most real thing I’ve ever had. 

If only his past didn’t threaten to rip us apart before we even begin.

Pretend You're Mine is an angsty, slow-burn romance where a broken veteran and a billionaire are trapped by expectations. With tropes like fake relationship, hurt/comfort, and forced proximity, this opposites-attract story promises a happily-ever-after that will melt even the coldest hearts.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219377911-pretend-you-re-mine?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=48e4JjxzRt&rank=9

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

Since being dishonorably discharged from the Marines, Creed has been struggling. He doesn’t have money and he can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to finding a job. He’s currently living in his car and hoping that something will break his way. And that something ends up being Avery. Avery is tired of his mother telling him he needs to settle down…and with a woman. He came out to his parents long ago, but it never went the way he hoped. Even after his dad died, his mother still believes Avery is just going through a phase. And his cousins are even worse. So to try and get them off his back, he tells them he is bringing a boyfriend home. They need to understand he isn’t changing who he is. And they don’t need to know the man he is bringing is practically a stranger. Desperate for the cash, Creed takes Avery’s crazy offer. But the more time they spend together, the more feelings start to arise. There is so much riding against them, so much they have yet to learn about one another and even about themselves. But together, they just fit. I really adored Avery and Creed. It was sweet to watch these two find the person they are meant to just be themselves with. The two have been through a lot in their lives, they deserve to be happy and be proud of who they are. Really sweet and holiday themed story!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.