It’s Wrap-Up Wednesday time, and I have not been reading. A little, very little. I’ve reread some Shelly Laurenston (MF) because I was in the mood for some crazy, but other than that, I haven’t read much at all.

Smoke by Amy Spector

For all the creature and monster stories I’ve read throughout the years, I can’t remember ever having read one about a jinn. It’s a lovely story, and in true Spector form, there is some sneaking around an abandoned house, well in this case it’s an apartment, not a house, but damn, there is always sneaking around in Spector’s stories LOL It’s just to make me nervous, I swear 😆

Wyatt Calder is trapped—in a rundown neighborhood, in a dead-end job, by the endless string of trouble his brother drags to their door—and it seems he’s destined to slowly fade away within the aging walls of Picket House, longing for his best friend’s cousin. That is until his upstairs neighbor Abel Walters dies on the staircase just outside Wyatt’s door.

Saalik has spent most of his existence asleep and waiting for the next person to discover his bottle and claim their wishes. And the last four years playing prized possession to Abel Walters and spying on the downstairs neighbors. But he has a plan. And, like every plan worth planning, it has taken patience. But if life as a Jinn has taught Saalik nothing else, it’s taught him that.

When a break-in sends Wyatt out his second-story bedroom window and into his dead upstairs neighbor’s apartment, he finds more than a place to hide. He discovers a magical solution to all his troubles.

Or does he? Because really, when is life ever that simple?

https://books2read.com/SmokeSpector

A Christmas Engagement by Ellie Thomas

My plan as December started was to read a lot of holiday stories. It didn’t happen, but on Christmas Day, I woke with a kid next to me in the bed who’d been feeling poorly during the night, so I didn’t want to move and risk waking her by getting up, so I grabbed my phone, and I read A Christmas Engagement in one go. She woke up when I was on the last page, so perfect timing, and a little holiday feeling for me 🥰

In 1805, Charles Denham’s comfortable life in Regency London with his long-term partner Avery Mallory is disrupted by the sudden death of his father. As the heir to a modest country estate in Gloucestershire, Charles returns home to care for his bereaved family and take up his new responsibilities.

Overwhelmed with grief, rather than leaning on Avery, Charles rejects his love and becomes fixed on the idea of taking a wife for reasons of family duty alone. With this plan in mind, during early winter, he travels the short distance to Bath only to find that Avery and his family have already arrived at the resort.

Will Charles follow through with his ill-conceived plan for a hasty betrothal by Christmas? Or will he come to his senses and resume his relationship with the nicest man in England?

https://books2read.com/AChristmasEngagement

The Long Way Home by Z.A. Maxfield 

This is my re-read story of the month, and I’m disappointed. I remembered loving this, but now years after, I don’t feel the same way. You can read about why over at Holly’s blog where I talk about it.

Ever since the accident that cost him his job on the Seattle police force, Kevin Quinn has been living with psychic abilities he refers to as the ‘gift that keeps on taking’. His attempts to use his talents to help the police have met with limited success. Yet, when teenage boys start going missing from the beach cities of Southern California, Kevin gets on a plane.

Connor Dougal has every reason to believe all psychics are fakes and charlatans. He’s still numb from the disappearance of his first love, a boy who went missing ten years earlier. Everything he aspires to is a direct result of that tragedy, even the acquisition of his detective shield. The irony of having to babysit Kevin Quinn is not lost on him.

These two suspicious men must develop trust and respect for one another to solve the case and, on the way, maybe fall in love.

https://books2read.com/TheLongWayHomeZA

Rainbow Advent Calendar 2022

Every day there were new short stories in this advent calendar, and I had plans to read at least some of them. I read two… but ah well. They’re still up, so have a look if you’ve missed this.

Single Elves by Anna Martin

I got the feeling this was part of a series, and I was probably meant to have read the story before this one because I didn’t understand all that much. But there were elves and reindeer, so yay Christmas.

Read here! 

What does an android do during the holidays? by Toshi Drake

This was cute! An android named Thomas who’s been working too hard and has to shut down right as he wants to play with his emotions.

Read it here!

That’s it, folks! I haven’t had the headspace to focus on reading, but I hope that will change soon because I miss it. 

 

It’s time for the #WhatToReadWednesday post, and I have not prepared one. So… I’m gonna cheat 😆 Holly did a Christmas read recommendation post at the beginning of the month, and since we have the same taste when it comes to books… Here are some holiday reads you should check out! LOL

Sock it to Me, Santa! by Madison Parker

This is a super cute young adult story, and if you know me, you know I don’t normally read young adult, but despite it being more than ten years since I read this, I smile every time I see the cover.

Ryan is assigned to Jamie Peterson for his class’s secret gift exchange. If word gets out that he has to make a handcrafted gift for flamboyant and openly gay Jamie, Ryan will be the laughing stock of the school. It’s a good thing no self-respecting boy would be caught dead in a craft store, because otherwise he’d be at risk of being spotted when his mom drags him to her weekly craft workshops. He hopes Jamie will appreciate all the trouble he’s going to for this assignment. Finding the perfect gift is gonna be tricky. Jamie deserves something good, though, after all the crap he has to put up with at school. At least, Ryan tells himself that’s the reason he’s putting so much thought into the gift. It couldn’t be that he has feelings for Jamie, could it?

https://books2read.com/SockItToMeSanta

Lone Star by Josh Lanyon

This isn’t my favourite Lanyon story, but it has a certain appeal. It’s a second-chance story, and the beginning grabbed me when I read it. It would’ve been great if there had been an epilogue, and there is a question that I won’t ever be able to let go of: What happened to the reindeer?

Growing up in rural Texas, Mitchell Evans’ ambition to be a dancer made him a target. Though he found success in New York City, Mitch is at a crossroads, and heads home for the first time in twelve years to figure things out. When what appears to be a reindeer jumps out in front of his car, he drives off the road and into the path of the one man he hoped to avoid.

The last person Texas Ranger Web Eisley expects to see four days before Christmas is his first love. He hasn’t seen Mitch since they quarreled over coming out to their friends and family years ago. Though he’s not in the closet now, Web has worked hard for the respect of his fellow officers, but he still regrets the loss of Mitch in his life. And his bed.

The attraction between them is as strong as ever, and it doesn’t take long for the men to pick up where they left off. But is love enough to keep Mitch in town in the New Year? 

https://books2read.com/LoneStar

A Reason To Believe by Diana Copland

I’ve been meaning to reread this. It’s a paranormal mystery with ghosts, and I remember liking it, but I also have this niggling that there was some aspect of it that didn’t appeal to me, but I can’t remember what, so maybe I’m misremembering. Rereading is the only way to find out!

Detective Matthew Bennett doesn’t believe in ghosts. So when the spirit of a murdered child leads him to her body, he’s shaken to the core—and taken off the case. Unable to explain his vision, or to let go of the investigation, Matthew turns to renowned medium Kiernan Fitzpatrick. Though he has doubts about Kiernan’s claims to communicate with the dead, Matt is nevertheless drawn to the handsome psychic, who awakens feelings he thought were long-buried.

Haunted by the lingering spirit of the little girl, Kiernan is compelled to aid in the search for her killer. The chance to get closer to the enigmatic Matt is an unexpected bonus. Although Kiernan’s been betrayed by people who turned out to be more interested in his fame than in himself, with Matt he’s willing to risk his heart. As the two men grow closer, Kiernan helps Matt rediscover that life offers no guarantees—but love offers a reason to believe… 

https://books2read.com/AReasonToBelieve

Merry Gentlemen by Josephine Myles

In the mood for something British? This is another second chance story, with a crazy seagull, and cold market stalls. Lovely and with some funny moments.

’Tis the season of goodwill to all men…even the one who dumped you.

Riley MacDermott’s ambitions are simple. Managing the annual Bath Christmas Market—which involves long hours in the cold and a whole lot of hassle—will secure the promotion he needs to afford to move out of his noisy, top-floor flat. Where not even his balcony is safe from an aggressive herring gull.

The last stallholder he expects to see is his ex. Riley never recovered from their break up, and five years on the old chemistry still sparkles. So does their habitual head butting.

Stan never wanted to leave the love of his life, but the pull of the woods was too strong—and Riley was firmly planted in the city. Reconnecting is painful, but Stan still jumps at the chance to stay with his old flame during the Market. And damn the consequences.

As the weeks pass, the two grow closer than ever. But despite scorching sex and cozy intimacy, they both know they face a cold and lonely future. Unless one of them can compromise.

https://books2read.com/MerryGentlemen

The Remaking of Corbin Wale by Roan Parrish

A recent read for me, and absolutely lovely. You know how much I love bakers. The story spans over a long time, but there is some focus on a Chanukah dinner, so I’m including it here.

Last month, Alex Barrow’s whole life imploded—partner, home, job, all gone in forty-eight hours. But sometimes when everything falls apart, better things appear almost like magic. Now, he’s back in his Michigan hometown, finally opening the bakery he’s always dreamed of. But the pleasure of opening day is nothing compared to the lonely and beautiful man who bewitches Alex before he even orders.

Corbin Wale is a weirdo. At least, that’s what he’s heard his whole life. He knows he’s often in a fantasy world, but the things he feels are very real. And so is the reason why he can never, ever be with Alex Barrow. Even if Alex is everything he’s always fantasized about. Even if maybe, just maybe, Corbin is Alex’s fantasy too.

When Corbin begins working at the bakery, he and Alex can’t deny their connection any longer. As the holiday season works its magic, Alex yearns for the man who seems out of reach. But to be with Alex, Corbin will have to challenge every truth he’s ever known. If his holiday risk pays off, two men from different worlds will get the love they’ve always longed for.

https://books2read.com/TheRemakingOfCorbinWale

The Invasion of Tork by Claire Davis and Al Stewart

An old favourite. New adult, with origami, Dickins, and a trigger warning for self-harm. And if you’re on a tight budget, you can indulge because this is a free read.

Adam is cool, intelligent and drop-dead gorgeous – all the guys tell him so! When he is forced to start voluntary work at the local homeless shelter, all he worries about is keeping the clients well away from him and finishing the placement as soon as possible. Until he meets Tork.

Tork is clever and funny. He makes origami models and reads Dickens. Tork has green hair and makes Adam’s heart race with longing. But Tork is homeless and not at all impressed with Adam’s attitude.

Can Adam see past his fear and arrogance? Can Tork give Adam a chance?
Can two such different men turn the world upside down and find out what really matters? Read to find out their story.

Content Warning: the story includes reference to and description of self-harming.

https://books2read.com/TheInvasionofTork

Shiny Things by Amy Spector

I love this book. It’s Thanksgiving, so I’m afraid we’ve already missed it, but… There is a scene in this, an exhibition at an art gallery that makes me cry every time I read it, and I’ve read it a few times.

At sixteen, Nathaniel Avery was shipped off to live with an aunt in hopes of quelling a budding relationship between him and another boy. Ten years later, a frantic call from his younger brother and his father’s failing health, brings him back home.

Just weeks before Thanksgiving and the most important day in Vincent Cooke’s career, he nearly collides with the grown version of the boy he never really forgot.

Will a gallery renovation, the holiday season, and the art of a mad genius help them to rebuild a friendship and rekindle a romance?

https://books2read.com/ShinyThingsSpector

Always Have, Always Will by Amelia Mann

This isn’t your usual romance story. It’s about a couple who’s been together forever, they have two kids, and they’re living everyday lives until Jay collapses while out shopping.

Jay thinks official commitments aren’t necessary in a relationship. For the last fourteen years, he has loved waking up beside Gabriel, watching their two adopted kids grow up – even enjoyed painting the fence once in a while and paying his part of the mortgage on their New Jersey home. To Jay, that’s a family. No papers or ceremonies will make their relationship better than it already is…though Gabriel has a different opinion.

Their lives are turned upside-down a month before Christmas, when he collapses in the plumbing aisle of the store. In the aftermath, Gabriel discovers that Jay’s only legal next of kin is his long-time absent father, and later Jay has to confront the painful memories of growing up, and the real truth behind his parents’ divorce.

But perhaps now Jay might be ready to give Gabriel a Christmas gift he will never forget. 

https://books2read.com/AlwaysHaveAlwaysWill

One Nightstand by Rick Bettencourt

Oh, this is just Christmas cosiness through and through, cabins and hot cocoa.

Doug’s not good with one-night stands, yet in the early hours of Christmas Eve, he returns home with Kirk – a good-looking guy he met at the club. Nestled together in the kitchen of his New England cottage, sipping hot chocolate and watching the snow fall, Doug wishes there could be more to this casual encounter. It’s a feeling that stays with him as he heads off to a frantic day of work at the mall, swamped with last-minute holiday shoppers…the last place he expects to find something magical.

https://books2read.com/OneNigthstand

Graham Ran Over A Reindeer by Sterling Rivers

Okay, I’m including this solely because Graham ran over a reindeer. He didn’t kill it, so you don’t need to worry about that, but there just aren’t many stories where the main character collides with reindeer shifters

Need a little spice with your sugar this holiday?

Rudy Snowden has been pining for Graham Miller since they were teenagers, but being a shape-shifter and in love with a human isn’t easy. After years of dancing around each other, Rudy decides to take the big leap and ask the guy on a date.

Truck driver Graham Miller is glad to be home for Christmas in Alaska. Road weary and suffering from the holiday blues, Rudy Snowden is the perfect pick me up—if Graham can summon the courage to ask him out. While picking up a Christmas tree from Rudy, Graham is unable to find the words, and leaves without the man he’s wanted for so long. Lost in a snowstorm sprinkled with misery, Graham hits a caribou—could his day get any worse? He rushes the animal to the Snowden vet clinic, where he quickly learns things can always get… stranger. The creature he nearly killed isn’t just any animal, and the Snowdens aren’t a normal family. With his secret finally revealed, Rudy makes his move. But can Graham accept Rudy’s inhuman nature and be the life-mate he wants?

https://books2read.com/reindeer

Joys R Us by Kim Fielding

This is short and cute, and if you, like me, dislike shopping, this is for you! LOL

Reece is a practical, orderly man, a financial analyst who considers most holiday events wasteful. But his sister coerces him into standing in line overnight for this year’s must-have toy. Supplies prove smaller than expected, and Reece gets trampled in the resulting stampede. Toy store manager Angel tends to Reece’s wounds. When Angel discovers Reece’s cynical attitude, he invites Reece to spend Christmas Eve with him. Over the course of the day, Angel shows Reece what Christmas means to him. With Angel’s guidance, maybe Reece can finally understand the joy of the holiday—and maybe even find love as well. 

https://books2read.com/JoysRUs

Just Like Heaven by Suki Fleet

In favour of snowstorms? I love the snowed-in trope. This is a sweet, gentle YA story.

One rainy night in December, David helps a busker with pretty eyes get his stolen money back. He doesn’t imagine the strong attraction he feels is mutual. But after overcoming his shyness, David discovers Jess is definitely interested.
Jess just isn’t interested in anything but a one night stand. Or maybe two. Falling for David is definitely not part of his plan. But when David gets trapped in a snowstorm the night before Christmas Eve, Jess realises a night or two is never going to be enough.

Proceeds of this sale will be divided between two UK charities working to support homeless youth: Shelter and Centerpoint.

https://books2read.com/JustLikeHeaven

Mr. Frosty Pants by Leta Blake

Another YA/NA story. Why are so holiday stories YA/NA? I’m not a fan, but this is lovely, though I wanted Casey to cut all ties to his terrible family LOL

Frosty former friends get a steamy second chance in this Christmas gay romance!

Can true love warm his frozen heart?

When Casey Stevens went away to college four years ago, he ghosted on his straight best friend, Joel Vreeland. He hoped time and distance would lessen the unrequited affection he felt, but all it did was make him miss Joel more. Home for the holidays, Casey hopes they might find a way to be friends again. But Joel’s frosty reception reminds Casey of just how hard he had to fight to be Joel’s friend in the first place. It’s going to take a Christmas miracle to get past that cool façade again.

Joel isn’t as straight as Casey believes, and his years of pining for Casey have left him hurting and alone, caring for his abusive father and struggling to get by. Unable to trust anyone except his rescue dog—and with no reason to believe Casey is interested in him for more than a holiday fling—Joel’s icy heart might shatter before it can thaw.

Can Casey and Joel’s love overcome mistrust, parental rejection, class differences, and four long years apart?

Mr. Frosty Pants is a stand-alone, Christmas gay romance by Leta Blake featuring a virgin hero, childhood friends-to-lovers, second chance romance, and romantically steamy scenes.

https://books2read.com/MrFrostyPants

A Christmas Outing by Jonathan Hill

Before moving on to the ego part of this post, I want to give you something that will make you laugh. This is so great, and if you haven’t read it, you have to!

It’s that time of year again, when Mum insists on dragging us to the Christmas markets. This year is a bit different, though, as my friend Jamie is coming too.

Mum is so stressed about enjoying the evening that she probably won’t enjoy it, Dad has conveniently developed a sudden fear of crowds to try to get out of it, and I’m waiting for the right moment to tell them both that Jamie is more than just a friend…

A feel-good comedy short story of around 10,000 words.

https://books2read.com/AChristmasOuting

My stories

Right, what to pick what to pick. For Holly, it’s easy. I only have The Scent of Pine which was released this time last year and is celebrating Christmas Card Day. As Ofelia, I have quite a few Christmas stories. One of my favourites is 24 Dates which is about an established couple trying to save their relationship by going on 24 dates. Then maybe The Setup since we like the snowed-in trope, and it’s light and fluffy, so a good contrast to the other two.

Jeremiah Pace hasn’t left his house in thirteen years. He doesn’t trust anyone, least of all shifters. School was a nightmare, and despite never interacting with anyone in the village, the bullying continues in his adult life. Someone is putting ads in the paper, encouraging people to drop by his house for one service or other, but Jeremiah never opens his door.

Zeeb Hemming is a lone wolf and the new chief of police. He’s only been in Stoneshade for six weeks when he learns about the ads and goes to knock on Jeremiah’s door. Not because of what today’s ad said, but to get to the bottom of what’s going on. Human or not, Jeremiah deserves to live life in peace. The moment Zeeb nears Jeremiah’s house, he knows he’s his mate. But he can’t have a human mate.

Jeremiah pleads with Zeeb not to stir anything up. Yes, the ads are bad, but things can always get worse. Zeeb is furious someone is mistreating his mate and is willing to skin anyone who has any connection to the ads alive. But how is he to convince Jeremiah to trust him when he talks to Zeeb through a gap in the window instead of opening the door to his house?

https://books2read.com/WillowRoad