For me the first and third novellas were simply superb! For some reason I struggled a bit with the second one though I did like it, I didn't LOVE it like I did the other two. Nevertheless, great anthology !
Holiday Roommates by Tere Michaels ★★★★★
What a sweet novella, not I've got to say, it almost felt like a full novel. I feel like we got to know the MC quite well, totally got "their story" as well as a relationship buildup that if it was rushed is was because of the amount of time they spend together in one month. Nate isn't great with mathematics but he also realized what they shared amounted to a ton of dates even if none was labeled as one.
Nate Brandywine is an aspiring actor. With his lean and rather small physique he doesn't get a lot of offers and now, around the holidays he can't say no to "acting" as an elf in a Christmas themed production in a new store in town. He needs the money! His roommate disappeared leaving not only a whole shaped TV in the living room, but also the possibility of Nate paying rent and actually keeping the apartment when December is over. So he takes the job and prays for the best..
Sean Callahan is the producer of the "show" in the department store. He too isn't thrilled by the job but he has no choice, as he too, is in a VERY tight space financially as well as physically - renting basically a room (without even a shower) in an apartment that is too far from the department store to allow ANY breathing space.
The connection between the too is almost instant even if Sean is been a bit difficult. But it doesn't take long for both to realize December is trying both of them. Without even knowing the full story Nate offers Sean to come live in his (now) spare bedroom so at least the commute won't be this horrible for him and from there, spending time together at the apartment, spending time together at the department store the friendship feels natural, yet the sexual tension becomes unbearable.
There is something between comical and magical about the production in the department store. Everyone with their place. Santa with his wife, the elves, and the band playing in the background with Nate as the singer. That's how friendships are born and opportunities with it. For both Nate and Sean on their on but also together.
There is actually quite a lot going on in this one but I prefer to stop here. The holiday are over currently, but if you miss it, grab this one, it's totally worth it :)
Holiday Sanctuary by Elle Brownlee ★★★★
While I'm not really sure why, I had a hard time connection with this story. I liked the idea of it, Chris Declan getting lost in the storm finding Paul Pak's cabin in the middle of no-where and staying there with him for more than just the roads being cleared. But somehow the interaction between them felt a bit staged, or rather too smooth and perfect. I don't think they had one argument or disagreement. Everything went too much according to plans.
They spent every minute together, and while they come from very different world - Paul being a professor focusing on birds, trying to save an endangered specie. Living in small cabin with enough to sustain him but not an inch more. Chris being a programmer who lacks nothing in his life - besides purpose and maybe a man by his side. Someone to come home to, someone to share his life with.
They find everything they could have wanted and never dared to ask in each other. They got along beautifully with the addition of Paul's cat. but once the storm is over Chris needs to make some decisions, ones he was burdened with when he first started this trek in the snowy mountains.
Holiday Homecoming by Elizah J. Davis ★★★★★
It took 14 years for Gavin Anderson to finally make his dream come true. Well, almost, come true. When he was all ready the project was dropped and going to his apartment filled with 20 year olds in a midst of a party he had no interest in made things even worse. So he packs his stuff in three boxes (how sad is that?) and drove home to the tiny town he was born and raised in.
He knew his parents were away visiting his sister, so he hoped for a little time off to himself to think things through. What he didn't expect - the kid "looking after" his home. A fine looking one but more importantly a really sweet and caring guy and even though Gavin was a bit obnoxious to him at first, he didn't sweat it, and certainly didn't take Gavin's mood to heart.
Eric Nichols finally accepted the offer of his best friend from college to come to her tiny town to open a cafe together. But before he actually accepts he needs to at least visit for a bit and see if it can work for him. When he has the opportunity to live in the Andersons' house he jumps on the offer.
Eric is an absolute sweet heart. It's no wonder Gavin fell in his charm (and later on, fell for him!). He is nice, polite, considerate, a good listener and more over GREAT with giving advice. It doesn't take long for him to have a conversation with Gavin and make him realize he might be spending too much time on the wrong profession.
In the midst of all this we have Christmas vibes all over the place and even though Gavin tries to act like he isn't into the holiday in the end he realizes it's an act even he doesn't believe in anymore. So enjoying the holidays, enjoying each other's company they both want more and sometimes the right excuse is all it takes.
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Rating:
★★★★★ |
E-Book
Edition |
280
pages
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Read on:
3-4 January 2020
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