Deeds & Confetti (Mary’s Boys #4) by Brandon Witt

118 pages

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Buy links: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

Steven Conley loves the excitement of owning his own Hamburger Mary’s restaurant in Denver, Colorado, and his chosen family of coworkers makes life even better. Steven never regretted leaving the corporate grind behind until his father’s harsh deathbed words leaves him doubting himself. 

Ryan Fuller abandoned a lucrative career to start his own party-planning business, but he keeps afloat by coordinating funerals for the local mortuary. When Ryan bumps into Steven—his best friend’s uncle and the man Ryan has secretly crushed on forever—the attraction explodes into a night of passionate abandon for both men. 

Steven is blown away by the care and deep connection he feels for the hot young mortician—until Ryan admits who he really is. Reeling from the recent upheaval in his life, Steven must decide whether to give Ryan a chance. To find love, they must risk it all....

Review

Note to self: Do not read Brandon Witt’s books at work!

It’s just as well I was in the library with (virtually) no borrowers. Having them see me cry all the tears while making sobbing sounds, would have been awkward. J

And on that note I’ll start my review.

This is the fourth and, as far as I know, final book in the Mary’s Boys series and man am I going to miss these guys, this setting, and the wonderful, warm feeling these stories leave me with.

In this book it is Steven Conley’s turn to connect with the love of his life, but boy does he make it difficult — both for himself and for poor and smitten Ryan Fuller. Then again, Steven does have a lot on his mind. Between the death of his father who never had a kind word to say to him, and doubts about his life as the owner of Hamburger Mary’s restaurant in Denver, the last thing he needs is the added worry of falling for a man about fifteen years his junior.

Ryan on the other hand can’t believe his luck. He’s been infatuated with Steven since he was a teenager and the attraction hasn’t lessened over the years, quite the opposite in fact.

“And Ryan knew what his heart had known since he was twelve. He loved this man. He was in love with this man. Even with all the unknowns about him, even with his litany of issues. Ryan Fuller loved Steven Conley. Just as much as he had when he’d written their names inside the hearts on his loose-leaf notebook paper all those years ago.”

Despite all his reasonable and unreasonable reservations, Steven can’t deny that there’s something about Ryan, something between the two of them that’s impossible to deny and even harder to ignore, despite his best efforts to do so. Deep down inside he knows the truth, even if it’s Ryan who has the actual thoughts.

“Maybe they didn’t know each other at all. But their bodies did. Their spirits did. It wasn’t some play fantasy that had consumed Ryan for all these years.

It was destiny. Fate. Twin hearts. Some stupid shit that he wasn’t really certain he believed in and was more than willing to bed Steven for sure didn’t believe in.”

The coming together of Ryan and Steven is hot from the start, but far from easy or smooth as a result of Steven’s hang-ups and reservations. But he has his family — both of the blood and of the heart variety — to help him sort out his emotional mess and not spoil what may well be his one real chance at lasting happiness. I loved how the crew from Mary’s stepped in to talk some sense into his stubborn head.

And talking about the Hamburger Mary crew, they had me in tears during the last chapter. If it is possible for love to flow from a kindle straight into my heart, that’s exactly what happened. I could easily gush about and quote from that chapter endlessly, but I don’t want to spoil it for anybody else. Just trust me when I say that ‘all the feels’ would be a gross understatement in this case. Those scenes hit me straight in the heart in the best possible way.

If I have one complaint it is that this is the end of a series. I could happily have spent numerous more hours in the company of these men. They and their place of employment have worked their way into my heart and will forever stay near the top of my ‘ultimate feel-good reads’ list.

Related Reviews: Nachos & Hash | Vodka & Handcuffs | Mascara & Bandages 

And... today only (September 27, 2017) the first three books are available for $1, $2, and $3 respectively. So if you haven't read this fabulous series yet, now's the time to get them! Dreamspinner

And finally, all four books are now also available in one bundle: The Mary’s Boys Collection. So if you want to own these wonderful stories in paperback make your way over to: 

Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

The Garden (Lavender Shores #2) by Rosalind Abel - Release Day Review

246 Pages

Wings of Ink Publications

Buy links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Available on KU

The blurb

Beautiful Gilbert Bryant designs jewelry for the rich and famous, and he made his escape from his gossipy little hometown of Lavender Shores. However, with so many friends and family, he keeps getting pulled back. When he attends his best friend’s engagement party, Gilbert can’t help but sample one of the new men in town. It’s just some innocent—or not so innocent—fun. Nothing that will even cross his mind once he gets back to his everyday life. 

Walden Thompson dreamed about living in Lavender Shores since he visited as a child. He finally gets his chance, and he embraces the opportunity to start over, to become someone new. He leaves both hurts and dangerous habits in the past, where they belong. When Gilbert crosses his path, Walden gives in to his baser instincts. He can indulge in the carnal pleasures this once and still be okay. 

Their few hours together haunt Gilbert, the two-hundred-mile buffer from home no longer shutting out the past or the sexy man he left behind. Walden is just beginning to recover from the smoldering encounter with Gilbert when they are thrust together once more. This time, neither of them can walk away, no matter how hard they try. But when their pasts crash into each other as surely as the magnetism that pulls them together, walking away may be the only option. 

Review

‘I’d seen his soul. Beautiful, broken, strong. A soul I wanted to hold and protect. A soul I thought might be able to heal mine.’ - Gilbert

WOW! This book packs a punch in every possible and exquisitely wonderful way. I mean, what’s not to love about a story featuring two gorgeous men who both see themselves as broken beyond redemption. Two men who are irresistibly drawn to each other and, when they act on it, discover they are a perfect match when it comes to sex. Two men who, despite their every instinct screaming at them to forget the other, to keep their distance, find it impossible to fight whatever it is that’s pulling them ever closer together.

There’s a lot I won’t be telling you about this story. You won’t catch me revealing why Gilbert is determined to stay away from Lavender Shores for as much of the time as he can possibly manage. Nor why he has an issue with teachers. And I’m also not going to talk about the past Walden is ashamed off. All I’ll say here is that both these men have good reasons for fearing that others might reject them as soon as those secrets come out into the open — it may turn out that they’re wrong, but you’ll completely understand where they’re coming from and your heart will break for them a little.

I got completely swept up in Gilbert and Walden’s story. They’re such beautiful creatures, despite what they might think of themselves. And together they are pure magic. And their bedroom antics — let’s just say Rosalind Abel takes us to a whole new level of hot. But, while I enjoyed (and maybe blushed about) the sex scenes, it was the emotional journey both men made that touched me most. The trust growing between them, the way they manage to open up to each other despite their fears, and the way they hold on despite their fear of what they’re about to walk into, took my breath away.

And I can’t thank the author enough for not taking the obvious route towards creating drama. I thought I knew what had to be coming and when it didn’t, I cheered.

As for the garden the book is named for: I want it to be mine. The descriptions of it were so vivid and painted such a stunning image I actually found myself being jealous of a fictional character for having created such a magical sanctuary.

All in all it is safe to say I’ve fallen hard for Lavender Shores. The setting, the people who live there, and the love stories we get to observe have all worked their way into my heart, and I’m already looking forward to book three. To say I’m a fan would be a gross understatement.

Related review: The Palisade

Mascara & Bandages (Mary’s Boys #3) by Brandon Witt - A Release Day Review

121 pages

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Buy links: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

Ariel Merman is a new drag queen who’s already finding a family at Hamburger Mary’s. After a performance as Ariel, Zachary Cooper walks home in his makeup and is assaulted by homophobes. Zachary’s worry that the attack has thrown a wrench in his good fortune is eased when he looks into the eyes of his doctor.

Dr. Teegan Chau is a little lost after divorcing his wife and coming out of the closet, but he can’t deny the pull he feels toward the young man he patches up. Luckily, Zachary takes the initiative and asks Teegan out. But attraction is the easy part of their blossoming relationship—as they deal with an ex-wife and child, being a drag queen in a heteronormative culture, Zachary’s lingering trauma from his attack, and Teegan acclimating to life as part of an out-and-proud gay couple.

The challenges seem daunting at the start of a romance. Can Zachary and Teegan make it through the rough patches and take a chance on the love that’s been missing from both their lives?

Review

Mascara & Bandages is the third book in Brandon Witt’s Mary’s Boys series and a very welcome addition to what is quickly becoming a favourite collection for me. With every book in this series I’m falling more in love with Hamburger Mary’s. The sense of family between the people who own, work in, and frequent the place makes my heart sing. The place is slowly turning into a microcosm of my ideal world; Hamburger Mary’s reality in these books (and maybe also in real life?) is what the rest humanity should be striving for. Togetherness, unconditional love and support, and a non-judgmental environment shouldn’t be too much to ask for. It should be the norm.

Okay, that’s enough about my personal world view. Let’s get back to Zachary and Teegan’s story.

I should start with a warning. The story starts with a shocking and heartbreaking act of violence which was hard to read for me and may be a trigger for others. It was one of those scenes I wanted to be able to read with my eyes closed, if you know what I mean. My heart broke for poor Zachary, but the healing started almost immediate. Doctor Teegan Chau is exactly who and what Zachary needs in order to heal both physically and mentally.

Teegan isn’t without a few issues of his own. He was late coming out of the closet, trying for as long as he possibly could to live up to his traditional parent’s expectations. Now out and divorced, he hasn’t actually dated a man before. Zachary entering his life, even if it is under the worst of circumstances, is what he needs to take the next step, even as he knows that it may lead to a further estrangement between him and his parents.

I loved that this story didn’t have one ‘strong’ guy being there to support and help the ‘weaker/damaged’ guy to realise his worth and deal with the world. Zachary and Teegan both fear that who they are and/or what they do may make them less in the eyes of other gay men. Here we have two men with doubts about themselves who help each other to the realisation that they are good enough, man enough, and loveable enough. These two men are each other’s equal from start to finish, and together they grow stronger, gain confidence. I enjoyed every single step of their journey and, if you’d listened carefully, you could have heard me cheering from the sidelines.

There were so many deeply touching scenes in this story. The one that really got to me was the moment Teegan shaves Zachary’s face. So much care. Such tenderness and deep trust. It took my breath away. I loved that Brandon Witt avoided all the obvious opportunities to introduce (more) angst into the story. Sure both men had their doubts and second thoughts, but both were also brave enough to keep on moving forward, trusting each other and their developing feelings to see them through and keep them safe.

Ariel Merman is a stunning creation. I fell in love with her from the very first moment. I adored how she was Zachary and yet so much more. Ariel gave Zachary the courage and focus to live fully despite any doubts and fears. And honestly, what's not to love about a merman based on the Little Mermaid story?

As in the previous books, the side characters were stars in their own right. I’ve mentioned above how I feel about the Hamburger Mary cast and I’ll refrain from waxing lyrical again. In this book we also meet Kelly, Teegan’s ex-wife who is his staunchest supporter and a wonderful antidote to his cold parents.

All in all this was, once again, a wonderful, uplifting and delightful reading experience. I’ve only just finished reading Mascara & Bandages and already find myself eagerly awaiting my next journey into this wonderful world. Is it time for Deeds & Confetti yet? And should I ever make it to Denver, I know exactly which establishment will be at the top of my lists of places to visit.

Related reviews: Nachos & Hash | Vodka & Handcuffs

Vodka & Handcuffs (Mary’s Boys #2) by Brandon Witt

Mary’s Boys #2

Novella / 112 Pages

Release Date: April 26, 2017

Publisher: Dreamspinner

Buy Links: Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

The blurb

Vahin Arora, Hamburger Mary’s sexy bartender, plays the flirtatious role so well even his closest friends—his chosen family at Mary’s—don’t realize Vahin hasn’t had a hookup in months. Then Tall, Dark, and Handsome steps through the door, and Vahin’s libido races back to life.

Being a black cop on the Denver police force is no easy job—Marlon Barton can’t imagine adding being gay to the equation. And while Marlon loves his work as an officer, his life has taken a turn for the hellish because of his new partner, the nephew of a senator.

Fleeing his partner’s company one night, Marlon stumbles into Mary’s for the first time… and wakes up with a hangover in the bartender’s bed. The one-night stand heats up into a budding romance, but not without stress as Marlon’s partner’s actions threaten Vahin’s livelihood and Marlon’s future on the force. Can Vahin and Marlon face the challenges and hold on to the love, friendship, and family they’ve found?

My thoughts

Vahin and Marlon—give me a moment while I sigh and smile. I fell so very hard for these two men. They are far from perfect which made them all the more human and loveable in my eyes.

In fact, this whole story felt real to me. The issues Marlon and Vahin have to deal with aren’t a figment of the author’s imagination. Brandon Witt didn’t have to exaggerate in order to provide drama in their lives. It breaks my heart that people face this sort of prejudice every day of the week and that, unfortunately, the situation appears to be getting worse these days. Being a black cop isn’t easy. Add being gay to the equation and Marlon pretty much risks becoming an outcast in the job he loves. And it isn’t any easier for Vahin. Having already been rejected by his birth family when he came out as gay, he now suddenly finds himself in a society where his cultural background is viewed with suspicion.

Kudos to Brandon Witt for writing a story dealing with all those issues, without this book ever turning heavy or preachy. But the opposite is true too; he never diminishes the problems Marlon and Vahin encounter and the resolution to a very sticky situation was both realistic and perfect. In fact, it is safe to say that for me the balance between issues, angst, and love-story was just about perfect. Not to mention that Vahin and Marlon and rather hot when they get together and naked.

But, as much as I loved Marlon and Vahin in this book and Darwin and Cody in Nachos & Hash, it is the whole extended community of Hamburger Mary’s that has stolen my heart. The bonds between them and the loyalty that ties them together is what gives these story the ultimate feel-good vibe. I’m well and truly hooked and can’t wait for my next opportunity to visit Mary’s Boys.

Related review: Nachos & Hash

Images purchased through 123 RF

Nachos & Hash by Brandon Witt

Mary’s Boys #1

Novella / 33.904 words

Release Date: January 25, 2017

Buy Links: Dreamspinner Press       Amazon US    Amazon UK

The blurb

Darwin Michaels is living his dreams in the Mile High City. While Denver offers the perfect job, scrumptious dining, and whirlwind dating options, Darwin is losing hope he’ll find the right man to spark his interest for more than a one-night stand—until he sets eyes on Cody Russell.

Cody has just accomplished his life’s goal—get the hell out of Kansas. In one fell swoop, he lands a job at Hamburger Mary’s and gets a newfound family and the chance to be with other gay people! All that’s missing is someone special. But when Darwin shows his interest, Cody is sure it’s too good to be true. After all, what can Darwin possibly see in the high school dropout serving him nachos?

As Darwin falls in love, Cody struggles to realize his worth. When his past threatens the fragile life he is building, Cody spirals into a moment of dark desperation. But Darwin is determined to show Cody that love and family and home are there for him… will Cody accept what is offered?

My thoughts

Oh my, what a delightful little gem of a book this turned out to be. From the very first paragraph this story hooked me. The characters captured my heart, the story captivated me and the setting has me thinking about booking a flight to Denver.

Nachos & Hash gave me the perfect blend of fun and feels. For every time Cody’s past and insecurities broke my heart there was a moment—more often than not taking place at Hamburger Mary’s—to put a huge and happy smile on my face. I loved how Cody, despite all his issues was more than ‘just’ his angst; he too had moments during which he was simply happy, times when his wonderful spirit and sense of humour pushed all his doubts aside, showing the man he could and would be if only he’d allow himself to be who he was born to be.

Darwin was, of course, exactly what Cody needed. Their pasts are similar enough for him to understand most if not all of Cody’s issues, while at the same time the way he lives his life now is proof that things do get better if only you open your heart and mind to the possibility.

Cody’s moment of despair broke my heart and angered me. Every time I allow myself to acknowledge that there are indeed parents who would reject and harm their children rather than accept they’re gay (or otherwise not living up to their parent’s idea of what they should be) I come as close to feeling pure hatred as I’ve ever done. If only every person this happens to could have a Darwin and a Hamburger Mary’s in their life, because families aren’t only the result of birth. Families are the people in our lives who are always there, regardless of who or what we are, and through all our struggles. And while a blood relationship can certainly be the basis for such a bond, it is by no means necessary.

Apart from Cody and Darwin, who completely stole my heart, this story comes with the most amazing secondary characters. First and foremost there’s Hamburger Mary’s. Of course that’s not a character in the strictest sense of the word, but it might as well be. That place has as much of a personality as any of the humans described in this story. I’m so glad this is the first instalment in a series because I can’t wait to spend more time in this venue with larger than life personalities such as ManDonna, Steven, Pat and Vahin.

If you like your stories perfectly balanced between angst and sweet do yourself a huge favour and pick up a copy of Nachos & Hash; you won’t regret it.

Teddy Bears by Brandon Witt

Short Story – 16k words

Dreamspinner Press 2016 Advent Calendar

Buy Links:     Amazon         Amazon UK    Dreamspinner

The blurb:

Other than working the front desk of a gay bathhouse in Denver, Brian McKay is a bit of a recluse. At the best of times, his social life consists of work, role-playing games at a local toyshop, and making YouTube videos with his Teddy Bear hamsters. The arrival of the holidays—with the annoying music, Christmas shopping, and all the reminders of how he disappointed his father—just reinforces his reclusive nature.

When James Olsen, a gorgeous daddy bear who frequents the bathhouse, notices him, Brian is at a loss. He’s not proud of his own bear status or his struggle with weight. The idea that James has interest in him beyond an easy hookup is more than Brian can fathom. But with a little bit of holiday magic, James might help Brian learn to accept Christmas again—and himself.

My thoughts:

‘Teddy Bears’ is the most adorable bah-humbug to the-joys-of-Christmas holiday story. It is quite impossible not to feel for Brian McKay. He’s such a nerdy dork he both made me smile and broke my heart. To say this man has body issues would be a gross understatement. He doesn’t like the way he looks and can’t believe anybody could possibly find him attractive. In fact, he is so certain he’s destined to be alone he’s even given up on dreaming about a happy ending. His dislike of Christmas runs very deep and is rooted in bad childhood memories, and as the day comes closer, Brian gets ever more grumpy.

Enter James Olsen who is everything Brian desires and admires in a man and therefore completely out of Brian’s reach—right? Wrong! When James looks at Brian he doesn’t see an overweight and unattractive nobody, he sees a man he wants to spend time with. All he needs to do is convince Brian that he is really interested and not just feeling sorry for him.

The story of Brian’s slow realisation that not only is James really attracted to him but he also deserves that interest is wonderful and very well written. Rather than through a blinding moment of insight it is James’s wooing of Brian through an interest in his hobbies, an obvious attraction, and a genuine date, that Brian comes to accept his own worth.

I loved how this book was both very sexy and almost innocent at the same time. The contrast between the free-for-all nature of the bathhouse and Brian’s almost prudish self-consciousness was both poignant and very clever.

Brian being willing to settle for the memory of one good night with James all but broke my heart. His subsequent journey put it back together again in the best possible way. Brian’s belief in Christmas miracles came through James, for me it came through Brian’s courage and Brandon Witt’s wonderful writing.

Between Brian finding his happy ending and Spike and Angel (read the book if you want to know who they are) this story was nothing short of adorable. As Christmas stories go, this one is a keeper!

You can find Brandon in the following places:

Website        Facebook       Twitter

Five Christmas Stories

CHRISTMAS READS

For the first time ever I’ve embarked on a ‘Christmas-story-spree’. Because these stories are often, but not always, short and uncomplicated I’ve decided to talk about these five I’ve recently read in one post. Enjoy! There’s not a bad tale among them. J

CABIN NIGHTS by Ashley John

Pages: 108

Date: November 25, 2015

Details: Christmas Novella

Own / Kindle

The blurb:

“Oxford University student, Ben thinks a skiing holiday in the French Alps is his idea of hell, so when his best friend, Jonny suggests they spend Christmas there he isn’t impressed. Taking to the slopes like Bambi on ice, Ben isn't having much luck, until charming bearded beauty, Cal, comes crashing towards him in a flurry of snow at fifty miles an hour. From the moment Cal offers to help Ben get back on his skis, the attraction is instant and Ben is convinced that a man as perfect as Cal is out of his league. 

Womanizer Jonny wastes no time asking out a girl he meets on the slopes and he makes her promise to bring along a friend to keep Ben occupied that night in the Après-Ski Bar. When that friend turns out to be Cal, he's given the opportunity of a lifetime to wine and dine with a man of model like beauty, with a charismatic personality to match. 

When Cal invites Ben back to his Cabin, they find themselves trapped in an extreme whiteout and with the men forced to spend the Christmas holidays together, they quickly find they are doing more than roasting marshmallows next to the warm and inviting fire.”

My thoughts:

‘Cabin Nights’ is a sweet and very Christmassy read. I mean, what could possibly be more seasonal than being snowed in, having to chop your own Christmas tree and finding love.

Ben on skies made me smile because it brought back memories of the one time I tried my luck on the slopes. I’d love to say I did better than poor Ben, but I’d be lying. Of course it all works out very well for our hero. If it hadn’t been for his poor skills on skies, Cal wouldn’t have crashed into him and….well, you get my drift.

I love Cal as a character and was a bit sorry we only got to see him through Ben’s eyes. I would have loved to ‘hear’ the thoughts running through this fascinating free spirit’s head.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This sweet, sexy and seasonal story is the perfect length to read in one, very satisfying, sitting.      

TWO RUINED CHRISTMAS EVES by Chris McHart

Pages: 31

Date: December 7, 2015

Details: Review Copy

E-Book

The blurb:

It’s Christmas Eve, and folk music star Jonas is on his way to the most important gig of his career, the Volksmusik Stadl. Well, he would be if heavy snowfall hadn’t stopped him on the highway.

Fritz has to accompany his grandparents to the biggest folk music event in southern Germany, the worst punishment for a metal fan, especially on Christmas Eve.

When these two men meet at the concert after-party, sparks fly. Will this Christmas Eve be something special after all?

My thoughts: 

Two ruined Christmas Eves is a charming story. What’s not to love about bringing two disgruntled men together and having them create magic together.

It’s hard not to feel sorry for Jonas. Here’s his big chance at a breakthrough for his music career and literally everything goes wrong for him. Fritz’s issues made me smile, maybe because I’ve found myself in his situation once or twice in the past; being forced to sit through an event featuring music you not only dislike but actively detest can be very grinding.

I love the uncomplicated way in which these two men came together. They’re attracted to each other and act on it. No soul searching, no heavy conversations just an almost irresistible pull and two men more than willing to give in to it. And when they do meet in Fritz’s hotel room they sure know how to heat up a cold and snowy night.

I liked that we were given a glimpse of Fritz and Jonas a year later. They’re still together and Fritz still doesn’t appreciate folk music J It was a perfect ending to a very enjoyable read.

The Christmas Throwaway by RJ Scott

Pages: 73

Date: December 7, 2015

Own / Paperback

The blurb:

Christmas is a time for giving - what do you do when no one gives a damn? 

For Zachary Weston Christmas means sleeping on a churchyard bench in the freezing snow with nothing better in his future. Thrown out of his home for being gay, he is left without money or, it seems, anywhere to go. 

Until a stranger shows him that some people do give a lot more than a damn.

Ben Hamilton is a rookie cop in his small home town. He finds a young throwaway, fresh from the city, sleeping on a bench in the churchyard on a snowy Christmas Eve. Can he be the one to give Zachary his own Christmas miracle?

My thoughts:

This story is heart wrenching and yet utterly beautiful and ultimately uplifting. My heart broke for poor Zach, a few days away from his eighteenth birthday and all alone in the wintery cold. His struggle to learn to trust again after years of abuse and neglect wasn’t always easy to read but glorious in how it depicted his growth.

Ben and his family and friends were like bright stars in a black sky. Giving without expectations they give Zach exactly what he needs and are there when his worst nightmare comes to pass, offering a perfect solution.

Spanning three Christmas’s, this story showed that there are not quick cures but that love will help heal the wounds, no matter how deep they’ve cut. And what’s not to love about a story that ends with a beginning? A wonderful Christmas story but, ultimately a great story to read any time of the year.

Christmas Miracles of a Recently Fallen Spruce by Brandon Witt

Pages: 25

Date: December 7,2015

Details: Dreamspinner Press 2015 Advent Calendar

            package "Sleigh Ride"

Own / E-book

The blurb:

Paxton Peterson’s favorite day of the year is his annual Gay Boy Christmas dinner. He’s checked and double-checked his to-do list, because nothing stresses him out like the unexpected. Confident everything will run smoothly, Paxton embarks on his yearly snowshoed hike through the Rocky Mountains near his home. His perfectly planned evening is cut short by Logan Charles’s careless enjoyment of his brother’s snowmobile, and Paxton is stranded in the woods. It’s the worst thing that could’ve possibly happened to him—or maybe the best. 

My thoughts:

I think this is my favourite Christmas story so far this year, I loved everything about it. First and foremost there’s the original, wonderful and very fitting title; how could I not be tempted?

And then there’s the story itself as told by Paxton Peterson, who could so easily have been annoying with his compulsive behaviour and lack of self-esteem but instead is endearing and sweet. He put a smile on my face the moment I started reading and I didn’t stop smiling until I’d finished his story. What I loved most was that Paxton embraced the opportunity coming his way, even if it did seem too good to be true—almost akin to a dream. He might not be the most confident of people, he is no fool either and grasps what’s on offer only to discover that his Christmas miracle is much bigger than even his dreams dared to suggest.

Beautifully written and an utter delight to read this book and the characters in it stole my heart.

His Heart’s Desire by J.P. Barnaby

Pages: 26

Date: December 7, 2015

Own / E-book

The blurb:

Each century, Father Time selects a new Santa Claus. In return for his service, the lucky St Nick receives his heart’s greatest desire. Unfortunately, Matthew Carpenter is down to his last night as Santa and has no idea what his heart desires. 

My thoughts:

This book was a little charmer. When I think of J.P. Barnaby I think of hart-hitting, heart-wrenching stories, not necessarily of fairytales. Yet that is exactly what this story me reminds of, a delightful tale of wonder, magic and dreams-come-true, with the most inspired of happily-ever-afters.

Original, fun, sweet and sexy His Heart’s Desire was a delightful little read.