2024: Bring. It.
For this year's resolutions, I changed one officially (make memories) and removed one (writing every day--since I wasn't doing it).
2024 Resolutions:
(1) Don't stop reading
(2) Make memories
(3) Share love of books/writing
(4) Be kinder to myself
What are your 2024 resolutions?
#newyearsresolutions #hello2023 #keeplearning #writeeveryday #dontstopreading #makesomething #shareloveofbooks #shareloveofreading #bekindertomyself #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
This year was both very quick and very stressful. I'm sure other things happened, but those, right off the top of my head, are the very first two adjectives I could think of. After I looked back at my 2023 posts, the books I read, the memories I had? It was a really damn good year. Yes, it had its negatives, but overall, it didn't suck. It was actually more positive than I had originally remembered. :D
Negatives: Colds, COVID, bronchitis, gi bugs. Air-quality alerts. 90+ degree days. Work got suuuuper stressful for a while there. Adulting.
Positives: Friends and family. Books and candles. So many outtings with friends. So many memories with my family. And soooooo much more (see memories listed below).
2023 Resolutions:
(1) Write [almost] every day...or at least think about it
(2) Don't stop reading
(3) Make something (e.g. a memories)
(4) Share love of books/writing
(5) Be kinder to myself
(1) None. At all. Some thoughts about trying again. But none actually accomplished. This is the second or so year in a row that I've...not done well with this resolution. Maybe this resolution needs...resolved.
(2) Books read this year: 452 (might get one more in there before midnight though).
(3) 2023 Memories: I started 2023 off with this resolution still being "(e.g a manuscript)", but I quickley changed it to memories, as its easier to make memories, and I'd rather look back on my memories than my not so well done attempts at manuscript completing. I went to the symphony twice. Three concerts. Four (?) new tattoos. Visited my sister twice. Got visited by her once. Went to the movies 3 times. A bunch of birthdays. Goat yoga. Lots of adventures/festivals at a near-by farm. My coworker had a baby. Did a reading challenge in October that inspired me to do more of in 2024. I changed positions at work. Jury duty, though I ended up not being selected to be on a jury. A bunch of long weekends to reset. A few solo vacations. And honestly, so blessed and humbled to read all of the books I did.
(4) Posts this year (including this one): 374.
(5) All in all, I want to say pretty damn good. There were days, weekends, months, that were rough mental health wise, but I'm still here so. Some months started out strong, but then I either got lazy, got sick, or just forgot. I was sick for like the first 3-4 months of this year, but it got better. Figured out a few more things about myself that can (will--be positive and assertive) help me live 2024 more happily and more authentically.
(4) Posts this year (including this one): 374.
(5) All in all, I want to say pretty damn good. There were days, weekends, months, that were rough mental health wise, but I'm still here so. Some months started out strong, but then I either got lazy, got sick, or just forgot. I was sick for like the first 3-4 months of this year, but it got better. Figured out a few more things about myself that can (will--be positive and assertive) help me live 2024 more happily and more authentically.
Anyone still holding onto their resolutions?
Any exciting 2024 reads?
Anything I should check out?
#newyearsresolutions #goodbye2023 #hello2024 #keeplearning #writeeveryday #dontstopreading #makesomething #shareloveofbooks #bekindertoself #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Seriously, where did December go? This month was hell, but at least it was fast hell.
2023 Resolutions:
(1) Write [almost] every day...or at least think about it
(2) Don't stop reading
(3) Make something (e.g. a memories)
(4) Share love of books/writing
(5) Be kinder to myself
(1) *Crickets* Shhhhhh.
(2) Books read this month: 57 (might get one more in there before midnight though).
(3) December Memories: Lots of books, lots of candles, lots of cookies. I got a new tattoo (#15). Holiday Party at school, Christmas Eve at the neighbors, Christmas with family in Ohio, family dinner yesterday (aka a lot of peopling). Off and on sick all month. Not much in terms of memories.
(4) Posts this month (including this one): 32.
(5) About same as last month. Less stress eating. But less regular sleep schedule. More peopling. More reading.
Anyone still holding onto their resolutions?
Any exciting January reads?
Anything I should check out?
#newyearsresolutions #goodbyedecember #hellojanuary #hello2023 #keeplearning #writeeveryday #dontstopreading #makesomething #shareloveofbooks #bekindertoself #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["When Miles goes camping with his best friend, Beckett, there’s just one problem: Miles forgot his sleeping bag.
The simple solution would be to share with Beckett, but Beckett hates skin-contact. Even the prospect of sharing a tent with Miles makes Beckett flustered and he dismisses the idea immediately. Which is fine. Miles can respect the boundaries of their friendship.
But their camping trip turns out to be full of surprises. Beckett’s been hiding a few secrets from Miles, one of which is that he doesn’t always hate skin-contact, not in certain situations, not with certain people. But the biggest surprise of all will come when Miles realises just how he feels about his best friend Beckett."]
Miles. Oh you sweet, summer child. I'm not sure how many times Miles's feelings hit him(self) over the head AND how many times Beckett's feelings for him hit him over the head, and he STILL didn't comprehend. It was both cute and exasperating.
At least he finally figured it out. ;)
#atentfortwo #melbourneboys #melbourneboysseries #milanaspencer #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["DENVER
Accidentally receiving an explicit pic from my best friend was a surprise, but my reaction to it was a shocker. Last year, with one text, my eyes were opened to an attraction that’s grown into so much more.
No matter what my feelings are, he’s still my best friend and I’ll always have his back. So when he shows up at my door needing a place to live, I don’t think twice.
Having him so close and not being together is harder than I thought, but it’s better than losing him completely.
When an unexpected gift changes his life, I’m there and commit to helping him raise the child he’s always wanted, regardless of my own heart.
FORD
I never expected to become a single dad. I always thought I’d be settled when it happened; be in a relationship, have a home, promoted at my job, basically living my picket fence dreams.
While my life may not be going according to my plans, I at least have my ride-or-die best friend here by my side through it all.
At first, I thought it was the sleep deprivation, but as time goes on, I’m starting to realize that seeing him with my son is doing unexpected things to my body and my heart. If I’ve learned anything recently, it’s to take a chance on the unexpected.
Just when I feel like I have a handle on my new life, my work leave gets cut short.
A serial killer is on the loose and my team is called on to help catch him. I’m left torn between my duty as a detective, being a new father, and my rapidly growing feelings for my best friend.
Will everything end up sunshine and rainbows or will our destiny be like dark cloud with lightning ready to strike us down?"]
This one happened quickly. The feelings. The romance. The love. It was so natural and perfect and happy.
It could have easily ended there. A novella. Fluffy, spicy, short.
But it didn't. Then, they went back to work and the serial killer case got more attention and...shit happened (everyone is okay--except the serial killer). But it all definitely added drama and suspense and angst and I sobbed. So worth the read.
Trigger Warnings: detective work (serial killer, dead and abused missing young girls, off-page child abuse, off-page sexual assault, and more)
#nixon #denver #knox #bennett #huntersecurity #huntersecurityseries #laurajohn #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Secrets always find a way to come to light…
DANTE:
I’ve got the job of my dreams, more money than I know what to do with, and a beautiful woman on my arm. What more could a guy ask for?
To be able to stop lying to the world maybe? But I’ve spent most of my life lying… why should I stop now?
However It’s always when life gets comfortable that your world gets flipped upside down.
Now I have someone trying to expose my deepest secret to the world and possibly trying to kill me, but that’s not the worst part.
No, the worst part is the sexy bodyguard who is now my permanent shadow. Nixon is fucking perfection and I’m pretty sure he is the key to my undoing.
NIXON:
I’ve worked with lots of celebrities but none of them had me losing my resolve and making my hand twitch like Dante Michaelson.
Dante is everything I’ve ever wanted in a man, a brat who would look fantastic bent over my knees with a red ass. Of course he is so deep in the closet he’s made friends with the dust bunnies.
I should push Dante away and assign him a different bodyguard, but I can’t. The moment my eyes land on him all I want to do is protect him, while also fixing that smart mouth of his.
Falling for Dante might be the most dangerous thing I have ever faced. My heart is now on the line.
What happens if I can’t keep him safe?"]
THIS. This is what I needed! Angst and risks and hurt/comfort and broken hearts and me sobbing and people being assholes and Nixon saving the day and Dante feeling save (and himself). Something cute and fluffy and sweet, but with depth and desperation. Something with stakes and third act break-ups and sure, communication and safe/sane/consensual sex (very in-depth conversations about kink and kink safety and trust), but all in all, this book refused to be put down.
Also, I was toooootally convinced that person XYZ was at fault for targeting and harming Dante. I was wrong. I'm not sure if I'm glad I was wrong, because that person is a nice person; or sad, because it would have made a fucking great plot twist.
Trigger Warnings: drugging, breaking and entering, homophobia, horrible parents, violence against a gay man, guns, religious trauma, closeted character, forced outing, and more.
#nixon #denver #knox #bennett #huntersecurity #huntersecurityseries #laurajohn #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["MARSH
Tal Bellamy is everything I'm not. A jet-setting playboy. A sexy silver fox. A guy who lives his life loudly and unapologetically.
We've been friends for almost twenty years. When he comes to town for a visit, I make a vow. There's something I need to get off my chest. Something I've been hiding.
Tal's the perfect guy to confide in because I know he won't judge me. The last thing I expect is to get plastered and hook up with him.
TAL
Marsh Duncan is a big, burly mountain man. A recluse. Grouchy at times. Or at least, that's what he wants people to think.
Not me. I know the man beneath the gruff exterior. When he's around his brothers or hanging out with me, his kindness and warmth shine through.
The truth is, Marsh is actually one giant marshmallow.
Another truth?… I'm all-out, head over heels, slap-me-sideways in love with him.
My plan is to confess my secret when I visit, not sleep with him. But it seems that I'm not the only one with something to reveal.
Now that we've both shared our truth, the question is: have we ruined our friendship, or are we on the brink of a forever love?"]
I love Casey's books and her characters and her happily ever afters. Sometimes, the utter lack of angst is a pleasure, an anxiety break, but other times, I need something to drive the story, to set the stakes, to make it worth going onto the next chapter. Does that make sense?
#thesilentmountainman #thecuriousmountainman #thereclusivemoutainman #mouvintothemountains #movintothemountainsseries #caseycox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["In her family, Shenanigan Swift has always been synonymous with mischief. As Arch-Aunt Schadenfreude always says, "She can't help her name." When a family reunion suddenly turns into a murder mystery, Shenanigan is determined to catch the perpetrator. A celebration of words and individuality, this remarkable debut is both brilliantly contemporary and instantly classic.
shenanigan, noun
1. Tomfoolery, skulduggery, mischief of all varieties
2. A devious trick for an underhanded purpose
On the day they are born, every Swift child is brought before the sacred family dictionary. They are given a name and a definition, one it's assumed they will grow up to match. Unfortunately, Shenanigan Swift doesn't much like being told what to do.
Troublemaker and mischief enthusiast Shenanigan rattles around the grand old Swift house rehearsing Arch-Aunt Schadenfreude's funeral with her older sisters Phenomena and Felicity, plotting future crimes, and wondering whether she is herself by choice or design. When the Family Reunion floods the house with people, Shenanigan is excited to meet her rogue's gallery of relatives--until one of them gives Schadenfreude a deadly shove down the stairs. Shenanigan had planned to spend the reunion hunting for Grand-Uncle Vile's hidden treasure. But more murders and an awful lot of suspects--from newcomers Daisy and Atrocious to beloved Uncle Maelstrom--keep complicating Shenanigans plans.
With some help from her sisters and their newly befriended cousin Erf, can Shenanigan catch the killer? And in a world where definitions are so important, how will she define herself?"]
Listen. I need more of this. Now.
The quirky family. The etymology. The gothic style. The murders. The almost murders. The red herrings. The trap doors and mechanical ghost talking devices and the hidden treasure?!
I flipping loved this book. I don't want to wait 9 months for the next one, but I guess that's where we are. And this was Beth's debut novel, so it's not like I can binge other works by her. *Sigh* Maybe if you people read this book, we could talk about it, and I'd feel better? Worth a shot. ;)
#theswifts #theswiftstheseries #theswiftsadictionaryofscoundrels #adictionaryofscoundrels #theswiftsagalleryofrogues #agalleryofrogues #bethlincoln #thriller #yathriller #murdermystery #yamurdermystery #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["What do you do with an irresistible neighbor you didn’t account for in your life?
Caleb had big dreams of opening a bakery when he was young, but they were shattered when tragedy struck, making him the man of the house. His Mom and younger brother depend on him to be strong and support them, even if it meant sacrificing himself. He was resigned to being a cog in the wheel in a job he hated, until his new neighbor moves in and challenges everything.
Zack didn’t do relationships. After his family cut ties with him, he vowed to stick to friendships in the future. However, when his blushing neighbor overhears him mention erectile dysfunction and balls, he can’t let the cute man leave thinking he has issues with his lower parts."]
This one was a bit of a slow burn. But when it burned? It burned. ;)
These two were so shy and cute and anxious and helpless to fate. They became best friends so freaking quickly. They were so close. Then, when they realized they were falling, they had already fallen. It was beautiful, and a first great edition to this series. It didn't hurt that there was some kitty shenanigans involved.
#thenewneighbor #theflirtyneighbor #theforeverneighbor #thehideawayneighbor #thecockyneighbor #curioheights #corioheightsseries #ryecox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["A virgin omega waiting for his first heat might get everything he wants from Santa this Christmas…
Tucker
I’ve really loved working as an elf at the Barrington Christmas Market this year, but what I’ve loved the most is getting to know Micah Lawson, who is the market’s Santa. Best of all, I think Micah likes me too. But will he still want me when he finds out I have a rare condition that means I haven’t had my first heat yet?
All I want is to be a papa, but no heat means no children…
Micah
I never would have imagined that playing Santa would be so satisfying or inspire me to build a career. I never would have thought my disappointed dad would ever be interested in what I do with my life either. But most of all, I never, ever would have guessed that I’d find exactly the omega I want to spend the rest of my life with in the form of adorable, sweet, clever Tucker Mandal.
Now, if only I can summon up the courage to ask him out and to make him mine…"]
This was a perfectly adorable ending to the series. It called back on all of the other books, particularly the very first one with the evil mayor. It was nice to see that part of the story/series come full circle.
And Tucker and Micah? Perfectly sweet and happy and slightly spicy and filled with HEAs all around.
#naughtyelf #flirtyelf #sassyelf #cheekyelf #sweetelf #omegachristmas #omegachristmasseries #mmfarmer #bangersandmash #bangersandmashseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["What’s a white knight to do when his princess is causing utter havoc leading in mass murder? Go to the famous Black Sorcerer of Grimslock for help, apparently.
What’s a black sorcerer to do when the white knight comes to him for help? Keep him, naturally.
Devan does not approve of this payment plan. Tan does."]
and because it's all just fucking hilarious, the authors "other tags" ["black sorcerer, white knight, evil princess, oh my!, this whole story is crack, technically an enemies to lovers, with light angst, mostly as an excuse for cuddles, sharing a bed, who hurt you is basically a marriage proposal, being adopted by a black sorcerer is like being adopted by a cat, you get no say in the matter, Tan is a walking disaster, Devan needs a hug, Tan volunteers himself as tribute, I’m not saying baby adventurers are stupid, but if you put a candle next to their ears their eyes will shine, rule one when dealing with black sorcerers, don’t piss them off, rule two is don’t touch their knight, just a little killing, Serenity has successfully pissed Devan off for the last time, magical shenanigans shall now commence!"]
I...This series was life. Crack, sure. Insanity, yes. Lots of evil laughs and flirty and cats? Duh? But all in all? Perfection. This series has skyrocketed to one of my absolute favorites, this couple to some of my favorite people.
You know in Brooklyn 99 where Rosa accidentally adopts a puppy and says "I've only had Arlo for a day and a half, but if anything happened to him, I would kill everyone in this room and then myself"? That was me about Tan (while reading the very first chapter--which was in Devan's POV---yeaaaah).
Tan was generous and kind and a bit of a sassy twink and love cats and tea and evil laughing and causing mischief and trying things just to see if he can do them and...well...he does like a good fireball...and murder spree....
Devan was righteous but realized things weren't black and white, he loved reading but never had the time, he was willing to sacrifice himself and his sanity for his country, he loved a good challenge, a good ale, and feeling needed. His white knight self did (slowly and then not so slowly) eventually turn less white and more black as he fell for Tan (and as he realized there was really only one way to stop the princesses madness).
Together, they were unstoppable. Literally. The best knight to ever have lived means the most powerful sorcerer ever? Power. Couple. They were fiercely protective of each other and their friends, to the point that Tan turned a little good and Devan turned a little evil.
I almost wish I could erase my memory and reread this series. It's 10000010% recommended. Please read this. Seriously, please; I need someone to talk with about these two and their shenanigans.
#howistoletheprincesswhiteknightandturnedhimtovillainy #howistoletheprincesswhiteknightandturnedhimtovillainyseries #miracle #thecompleteworks #thecoronation #villainy #villainyseries #ajsherwood #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["What’s a man to do when his security company is hacked with a message from the hacker asking for a job? You hire him, of course.
Which is precisely what Aleks does. At first, he’s conflicted to learn Harris is only seventeen and on the run from a past he refuses to talk about, but that confliction soon morphs into feelings for the tragic genius, and he desperately wants Harris to open up and trust him.
Maybe it wasn’t the best decision to start off his new life by hacking into a well-known security company to ask for a job, but Harris is surprised by what he finds there—a boss who genuinely seems to care about him. As the months pass, Harris finds he wants to tell Aleks everything. To stop hiding. To finally stop running, unless it’s into the man’s arms. But fear’s grip is strong, and doesn’t let go easily.
So, when Harris’s past does come calling? Aleks must prove he will do whatever is necessary to protect his new employee and friend—including fake marrying him, despite being in love with him."]
and because it's all just fucking hilarious, the authors "other tags" ["Brazilians have no concept of personal space, Kizomba, I climbed the trope tree, and hit every branch on the way back down, shy character, underage runaway, bad parenting, May/December, Fake Marriage, Boss/Employee, friends to lovers, virgin character, sharing a bed, Aleks protests all the cockblocking, hurt/comfort, told you I hit every trope, wait I might have missed one"]
This one was super tropey. However, it was also super good! It was angst and sweet and rough and fluffy. It was so much. It could have been a smidge longer, but our two leading men stopped being idiots long enough to get together and an asshole got what was coming to him, so all in all, it worked out. ;)
Trigger Warnings: toxic parents, several forms of domestic abuse (but not outright physical), and more
#marriagecontract #ajsherwood #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["“Company policy forbids me from exchanging my blood, my soul, or my firstborn child with customers…”
When Ross starts working third-shift at a gas station, he doesn’t think anything extraordinary will happen. He expects a lot of quiet shifts.
Well, you know what they say about assumptions.
One explosion later and he’s the personal assistant to a vampire—who he admits is not only sexy, but the sane one—in charge of his supernatural clan’s paperwork, and managing any trouble the members get into.
Spoiler alert: the clan can get into quite a bit of trouble.
Ross is definitely not paid enough for this."]
and because it's all just fucking hilarious, the authors "other tags" ["The crack ship armada sails again, and then it got out of hand, poor put upon retail workers, Ross didn’t deserve this, Fate is cruel, so am I, the trauma of changing jobs, Ross has a paperclip and knows how to use it, Ross isn’t clear if he’s a PA, bartender, or babysitter, troublesome werewolves, Australian wizards, spells gone awry, very awry, sexy vampires, developing relationship, coming out, not a single degree of chill from Glenn where Ross is concerned, slow burn, boss/secretary, light bondage, Ross has to teach ancient mythical beings how to text, pray for him, SHENANIGANS, did I mention crack?, the most absurd workplace romance in history"]
I fucking LOOOOVED these. They were amazing and addicting and hilarious (and reminded me of Jennifer Cody's #MurderSpreesAndMuteDecrees series). I need more. I'm in desperate need of more. THANKFULLY, a lot of the characters (side ones) from this series have their own books/series (so here I go, down the rabbit hole of supernatural romance crack books).
1000% recommend.
#thetribulationsofrossyoungsupernatpa #thetribulationsofrossyoungsupernatpaseries #definitelynotpaidenoughforthis #commonsensewhereartthou #thepounddilemma #thisisnotthedogyourelookingfor #welcometomylair #wizardsgonewild #comemyminionleaveyourmasteralone #theaftershow #tistheseasontobeouted #allyouneedisabedsheet #thebestlaidplans #thetribulationsofglennoriagainclanleader #thetribulationsofglennoriagainclanleaderastor #astor #ajsherwood #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["The old days of vampires slinking sexily through the night are definitely a thing of the past. Now, vampires hold day jobs like everyone else, and Justus is no exception. The funny thing about living forever is that you still somehow have laundry and bills to deal with.
Enter stage left: JD Cooper, Justus’s new employer. Supposedly, the man is a writing raconteur, known to craft a mean mystery. His skills excel on paper, but suck in reality because he’s one step away from hoarder level. Justus takes the job as his housekeeper, expecting eccentricity.
Which he gets. And so much more."]
and becuase it's all just fucking hilarious, the authors "other tags" ["vampires with day jobs, Justus has it rough, Cooper is a walking disaster, how self-indulgent should I make this, the answer is very, bite kink, book hoarding, this is the least angsty thing I’ve written all year, smother tested, editor approved"]
This book was almost slow burn. The romance snuck up on you. But when it did? Holy. Hell.
Cooper was...Cooper (aka a walking disaster), and Justus kept thinking he was sick or sleep deprived or hungry (because those weird feelings he got around/about Cooper couldn't possibly be Feeling).
This perfectly enchanting novella (as well as AJ's Fated Mates series) makes me want to binge the rest of her things (maybe this novella did help my reading slump...time will only tell).
#howtokeepanauthor #howtokeepanauthoralive #ajsherwood #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["When an omega elf in distress needs rescuing, can the alpha with a crush on him save him without ruining himself…again?
Elijah
None of my friends know my secret or anything about the family and community I come from. Not celebrating Christmas is only the beginning. If my family finds out that I’m working at the Barrington Christmas Market, I’ll be in so much trouble that the only way out would be marrying someone I hate.
Now the guy I’ve been dreaming of from afar is offering to help me…but does he really know what he’s getting into?
Barnaby
Elijah needs me, and if there’s one thing I know I’m really good at, it’s helping people in need. But helping nearly ruined my life once before. Can I take the risk of losing everything all over again? Or will it be different this time?
I think I might really love Elijah, and after what we share during a mini-heat, how could I possibly turn my back on him?"]
This one was a hard read. Elijah's secret, his family situation, the risks he took, the ultimatum he was given? Not many people are as strong as he is/was. Barnaby made sure Elijah knew just how loved and cared for he was, by himself and all of his friends/found family.
The romance aspect was a little quick (a lot quick), but they say "when you know, you know", and they knew.
#naughtyelf #flirtyelf #sassyelf #cheekyelf #sweetelf #omegachristmas #omegachristmasseries #mmfarmer #bangersandmash #bangersandmashseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Chase is crazy busy behind the scenes at the fraternity get together, so when an alumni comes in, he just notes a hot man in his vicinity and goes right back to work.
When Ronan gets hurt, and Chase feeds him, Chase’s reaction opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Ones that Ronan wants to explore.
Is Chase compatible with vampires? Or could he possibly be something more?"]
and becuase it's all just fucking hilarious, the authors "other tags" ["Vampire story, same universe as Max and Zander, because yes the plot bunnies absolutely ran wild with this one, I am not in charge of this trainwreck, just along for the ride like you are, Chase has his airheaded moments, there is absolutely no chill where Ronan is concerned, bad guys have human sacrifice written all over them, whole story is mindless violence and fluff, sorry not sorry for this"]
I loved the first book (which was actually the second book in this series) so much. And while it did spoil this one a bit (is it a spoiler that they'd end up together with a HEA, though?), I still adored this novella. It was super sweet and cute and fun. Add in some potential danger, a fated mate, and spicy scenes so hot you'll need a fan, and you have perfection.
Ronan was instantly hooked, smitten, caught up in the web of Chase's...everything. Chase would agree, if he wasn't so busy with school, family/friends, and his sudden new sexual identity crisis. I loooooved them (loved. them.).
#fatedmatesandwheretofindthem #fatedmatesandhowtowoothem #fatedmates #fatedmatesseries #ajsherwood #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["I'm a nerdy, neurodivergent librarian who lives a quiet life in the mountains. While out birdwatching one day, I stumble upon a giant of a mountain man bathing in the lake.
Naked.
I manage to run away, hoping he didn't see me.
And then he shows up at my library.
Something about him lures me in. Sure, he's tall, bearded, and insanely gorgeous, but there's a gentle curiosity in his eyes. And when he looks at me, it's like he's trying to understand me…
Orrrr maybe I'm imagining it.
Yeah, that's probably it. I mean, why would a handsome, barrel-chested lumberjack like Branum be interested in a Mr. Plain and Boring like me?"]
This novella was super cute! A little too sweet (but I'm either in need of a romance break or that's just one of Casey's things). It had a smidge of angst, a dash of spice, and a lot of heart. Definitely a delightful read.
#thesilentmountainman #thecuriousmountainman #thereclusivemoutainman #mouvintothemountains #movintothemountainsseries #caseycox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Can love develop from a situationship? Asking for a friend.
Austin Wood
There is nothing worse than being in love with your best friend. Scratch that. There is nothing worse than living with your best friend whom you are madly in love with and had an accidental one night stand with. What is even more confusing is the fact that Jim seems to not understand what a one night stand is. He thinks we're in some kind of friends with benefits situation, and I don't know if I'm in heaven or hell.
Jim Walker
I love my best friend. Not in that way, but I consider him one of the most important people in my life. I'll do anything for him, even helping him relieve some tension when he needs it. Now, I just have to ignore the weird pang in my chest every time he leaves right after."]
The first half of this novel was…a little too sweet. Correction (or clarification): there was too much prose and internal dialogue and not nearly enough action or dialogue. It picked up around the 50% mark (around the same time the spicy level skyrocketed ;) ).
Then it became a will-they-won’t-they thing. And not kiss or even sex, no that was easy. I mean TALK. ;)
#theholidaydisaster #theholidayboyfriend #dovesofdestiny #dovesofdestinyseries #ryecox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["What do you call being stranded with your brother’s best friend? A Recipe for disaster? Or a dream come true?
Ethan Wang
College is supposed to be my chance to start over. To leave high school behind and focus on my studies to become a vet. Then, I board a plane on winter break and find myself seated next to my brother’s best friend. The same guy I had a huge crush on even though he always seemed to have it out for me.
It should be a quick flight filled with awkward small talk, but plans change when the plane’s engine fails and we have to land in the middle of nowhere. After a sequence of ill-fated events, we’re forced to share a B&B with only one bed. Trapped in a room with a man I’ve hidden my feelings from for years… What’s the worst that could happen?
Kingsley Sharp
I usually get what I want, thanks to my mastery at charming my way into anyone’s heart. That, however, hasn’t been the case with my best friend’s brother. We got off on the wrong foot, and I want nothing more than to win him over.
Now with us stranded together, my chance has come. Stuck in a small town full of snow drifts and holiday cheer, I’m determined to use this disaster to make this a magical holiday neither of us will forget."]
I was surprisingly not mad at the slow burn of this novel. There was a push-and-pull and a will-they-won’t-they thing going on, a bunch of innocent misunderstandings and almost kisses and doves of fate.
Even with the misunderstandings, there was very low angst. This novel was one of the sweetest and fluffiest things I’ve read in a while. And that cafe scene with the boyfriend proposal????? Dead. I’m dead.
#theholidaydisaster #theholidayboyfriend #dovesofdestiny #dovesofdestinyseries #ryecox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["There is nothing more annoying than Christmas...
I see the irony of being the owner of a Christmas tree farm and hating the very holiday that keeps my family business alive, but Christmas Falls takes this season way too seriously with their festive business names to the sheer merriment that envelops the entire town.
I'm no grinch, but I can relate to one being surrounded by all this jubilance. It doesn't help when a new part-timer joins the tree farm and is the very embodiment of joy, starting from his name—Felix Joy.
He's ten years younger than me, and I feel the age difference every second I interact with him. His enthusiasm exhausts me, yet I can't stay away, even if it means I have to deal with the ridiculous nickname he forces onto me.
He's melting the fatigue of Christmas, but I'll never admit it. I'm ready for all the blinding lights to come down, for him to leave, and to finally get some peace and quiet."]
Just when I thought I was about to catch up on some of my other books/authors/TBRs, another Christmas Falls book comes out (and adding another author-to-binge to my list).
This book was so good!!! Bruce is just a fucking teddy bear. He's all tough and growly and grumpy on the outside, but on the inside he's protective and caring as fuck. He just wants people to be safe and happy. He's comfortable with life (minus owning a Christmas tree farm and hating Christmas)..until he meets Felix. Felix just wanted to be seen as an adult, even if he's an angel personified. He's sweet and kind and sparkly and filled with job (and a little sass--a lot of sass). They were perfect for each other.
#readysetglow #ryecox
#grinchkisses #snowbodylovesme #getfrosted #silentknight #clausingascene #underthemistletome #noelfingway #scroogeyou #christmasfalls #christmasfallsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["How in the world does a grumpy rancher end up falling for a rich dilettante?
Richard Dunning has it all: private school education, an exquisite designer wardrobe, a last name that ensures he’s invited to all the best parties, and a skincare regimen that’s to die for.
The only thing he doesn’t have is… well, a job. Or a home. Or money in the bank. Not since his dad cut him off.
So when his best frenemy approaches him with a bet—spend a month working as a cowhand on some godforsaken Wyoming ranch in exchange for his dream job—he’s a little too proud and a lot too desperate to say no.
But from the moment Richard and his rhinestone cowboy hat show up at the Silver Fork Ranch, nothing is as expected.
Not the beautiful vistas, not the terrifying horses, not the friendly people, not the epic quantities of cow manure, and definitely not Boone Hammond, the rugged rancher whose eyes are a little too intense, whose expectations are a little too high, and whose kisses are… a lot too tempting.
But when his month on the ranch comes to a close, Richard must choose: return to the safe, luxurious life he thought he wanted… or risk everything for the love he’s been IN SEARCH OF all along."]
Oscar Connections: Boone and Oscar grew up together and are best friends (and maybe it-didn't-mean-more-than-a-hook-up exs); Richard is ex's with Oscar's one ex (James--who is from book 3 in the series).
This series is life altering. It’s funny and sweet and provocative and spicy and emotional and so much. It’s so much.
Again, I cried during a loooot of this. Richard is complex as fuck and his insecurities are so valid and relatable and soft. The amount of times I wanted to punch Boone because he let his clouded judgments and hai fatigue get in the way and make Richard feel inadequate. Luckily, he got his head out of his ass. ;)
#irl #inreallife #lol #laughoutloud #btw #bytheway #brb #berightback #hea #happilyeverafter #iso #insearchof #mollymaddox #lucylennox #afteroscar #afteroscarseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Sometimes, what you need after a storm is a ray of sunshine…
Moving back to his hometown of Sunshine at the age of thirty-seven was never in Ray's plans. Neither was raising his beautiful twin girls alone. But after cancer stole his husband and surviving in the big city on a single wage became too expensive, Ray was left with no other choice.
Juggling a bruising divorce, sick parents, and a punishing career as the director of an aged care facility, Paul's life feels like it's been drained of all goodness. He's overworked, over-stressed and lonely. So damn lonely.
Until Ray returns.
Having his best friend back in his life not only brings a smile to Paul's face for the first time in years—it also unlocks something within him. A heart-shaped box that he's kept under lock and key his entire life.
Can Paul find the courage to take a chance and make the boy from his past the man of his future?"]
I enjoyed this book. Who wouldn't love a best-friends-to-lovers story? There was just a bunch of skipping around and random time jumps that, to me, seemed to serve the purpose of extending the length of the novella and nothing more. It could have been shorter and still served the same purpose, but with more fluff and less awkward angst (and not in a wow-what-do-we-do-now way).
#rayofsunshine #caseycox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Nearly getting killed in a mudslide only reminds me why I hate the mountains. I'm uninjured, but my car is wrecked, there’s no way I can get into town, and of course there's no reception here.
I'm screwed.
Maybe it's karma for putting this trip off. I haven't been able to bring myself to visit since Pa's funeral.
And then there are the painful memories that still haunt me of my first love…and first heartbreak.
The summer I turned eighteen, I exchanged letters with a free-spirited, long-haired boy who lived down the road from my father. We hung out all day and wrote each other romantic letters all night. It was the best time of my life.
But now they're both gone, and I'm all alone.
Literally. This mountain feels deserted. Like I'm the only living soul on it.
And then, just as I'm about to give up all hope, a pickup truck pulls up. A man steps out.
Not just any man, though… Pure. Mountain man. Perfection.
Big muscles, a thick beard just begging to be touched, and an intense stare that's making me rethink my dislike of the mountains.
Harrick offers me a place to stay, and despite being a total stranger, there's something familiar about him that makes me feel like I can trust him. Also, what other choice have I got?
He takes me back to his cabin. Turns out, he's not much of a talker. I can work with that.
We hook up. I can definitely work with that.
I almost forget that I'm here to sell my father's house and finally move on from the guy who left me brokenhearted all those years ago.
And then I find a letter in Harrick's house—one of the letters I wrote all those years ago — and everything changes."]
What's better than summer romances? Or friends-to-lovers?? Or second chance romances??? All of them put together in a cute (but hot as hell) novella.
This story was so fun and cute! There was dual deja vu and mutual past-pining and it was a smidge angsty, but it was so sweet and giggly-happy and steamy. as. fuck.
I might have to put off my current reading goal(s) in favor of binge-reading Casey Cox. Though, the predictability of the romance genre might be getting to me again (so time for a murder mystery/thriller??). Orrr, maybe I'll see another targeted ad and let the universe tell me what to read now.
#thesilentmountainman #thecuriousmountainman #thereclusivemoutainman #mouvintothemountains #movintothemountainsseries #caseycox #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["When the guys at work dare me and the new guy to play a game of gay chicken, I figure I’ll get my first kiss and bragging rights for winning. What I don’t expect is for that game to awaken something in me. Something I’ve never felt before.
Something that makes me want more. Makes me want him.
I never back down from a challenge, but that doesn’t explain why being with Noah feels so good. Why I can’t stop thinking about him. Why he’s the only person who’s ever stirred even the slightest interest in me.
Why getting him off gets me off.
Watching Noah lose control is everything. So is knowing he can’t stay away from me, either."]
This one was a hard read. The Trigger Warnings below neeeed to be minded. It sent me into a mini depressive episode last night.
HOWEVER, Noah and Zane are sooooo worth it. They're shit at communicating and didn't get their crap together until the end, but when they did??? Heart-eyes and butterflies everywhere!! I might be obsessed with them.
Trigger Warnings: religious trauma, on page mental health struggles (depression, anxiety), on page pot/marijuana use, neglectful and emotionally abusive parents (encouraging sexual assault, encouraging suicide), mentions of past death of parents and allusions that one may have been intentional, mention of financially abusive extended family, mentions of past bullying (assault), and more.
#stepbrotherdearest #fakerswithbenefits #bestservedcold #leftonread #crimsonclub #crimsonclubseries #willowdixon #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Just when I think my life can’t get any weirder, a mysterious stranger comes to the club and offers me a crap-ton of cash to pose as his boyfriend for ninety days.
The job sounds simple enough. Evan is as rich as he is hot, and he says he doesn’t expect anything from me other than my acting skills. If we can pull it off and fool his friends and family, he gets his inheritance. I get a new wardrobe, a huge payout, and a chance to see how the other half lives.
But as time goes on and I find myself becoming more involved in Evan’s world, I realize things aren’t always as they seem.
On the outside Evan is a buttoned-up, boring businessman. But when he starts receiving letters threatening not only himself, but also me, I find out who he truly is.
Ruthless.
Possessive.
And the only person who’s ever made me feel seen."]
This. Book. Fuck me; this book was fabulous. There was a lot of angst (the situation between the two of them, the feelings between the two of them, the threats, the family, the secrets), but there was so much fucking steam and fluff and AGH D:
They both have been burned by people in the past, they both have abandonment issues and trust issues and issue issues, they both have wildly different jobs/salaries. But they match. Their missing pieces match. Their dreams of the future match. Their wants/needs match. They were messy and anxiety-inducing and not-easy-at-all. But they were perfect for each other.
#stepbrotherdearest #fakerswithbenefits #bestservedcold #leftonread #crimsonclub #crimsonclubseries #willowdixon #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["I'm your cookie-cutter villain...
Or that's the role Christmas Falls has given me.
I'm here to help my grandfather fulfill the crazy amount of orders his toy shop is getting. The company I work for would love to take it off his hands. And I want to see Grandpa Nicholas enjoy a few years without having to work all day long.
When I arrive in Christmas Falls, not only is Gramps adamant about keeping the toy shop, but he has already hired an assistant enabler who can't stand the sight of me. Ezra, the real world Santa's Elf, an unbearable bubble of Christmas tradition, a walking, talking cinnamon roll, is as delusional as Grandpa Nick himself.
Suddenly, I'm the villain of this Christmas story. Ezra challenges every smart decision I make and thinks I'm here to steal Christmas from the town's kids.
Convincing Grandpa to sell the shop and fighting Ezra at every turn is more than one guy can do alone. But maybe I don't have to. A temporary truce with Ezra quickly turns into a passionate and disastrous wildfire that will melt this winter's snowfall if we don't resist the temptation.
We come from different I have a life waiting for me in New York and Ezra lives and breathes small town charms. We are destined to fall apart, but that's not stopping me from dreaming up ways to keep Ezra with me for another minute. Or hour. Or night."]
Sooooo here for the theory/fact that Grandpa Nicholas is Santa. Yes. Please. Adds even more of that Hallmark Christmas magic to Christmas Falls.
Also, James doesn't help himself much from not being seen as the "villain." He's a little Scrooge-like with his pessimism, his city-boy lack-of-charm, his lost innocence (childhood trauma), and his hatred of Christmas (see: childhood trauma). But, like any good Christmas story, he sees the error of his ways by the end of the novel, falls in love, and lives happy ever after. :D
#noelfingway #haydenhall
#grinchkisses #snowbodylovesme #getfrosted #silentknight #clausingascene #underthemistletome #readysetglow #scroogeyou #christmasfalls #christmasfallsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Anything could happen when an omega in heat gets trapped in a snowstorm with his best friend’s older alpha brother…
Kevin
I might be one of the biggest jokers of our group on the surface, but I have some serious dreams and ambitions of becoming a doctor. Except almost every medical school has rejected me, and now I’m questioning everything, because Rudy Mandal, my teenage crush, is back in town for Christmas.
And when he dares me to take a Heat Lightning pill while we’re joking around one night….
Rudy
My life is in tatters after a bad break-up, and all I want to do is spend the holidays with my family in peace and quiet. But from the moment I see Kevin Croft again, my alpha can’t stay still. Because cute little Kevin is all grown up. My brother’s best friend has never been so appealing.
But will one little dare that goes too far ruin everything?"]
What's better than a best-friend's-brother trope??? Not. Much. ;)
This novella was filled with fate and Christmas magic and interfering family and sassy, feisty elves. And that’s gut feeling of happily ever after.
#naughtyelf #flirtyelf #sassyelf #cheekyelf #sweetelf #omegachristmas #omegachristmasseries #mmfarmer #bangersandmash #bangersandmashseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Life isn’t going to plan for Charlie Mathis. He’s back in Cutler Lake with no job, no prospects, and no plan. But when he sees his old childhood crush, Stuart Harrison, working at Santa’s Grotto in the local mall, suddenly things don’t seem so bad.
When Charlie was growing up, Stu was always way out of his league. Well, not anymore! The guy is wearing an elf costume—he’s clearly failing harder at life than Charlie is right now. It’s a perfect match, right?
But Christmas has a surprise for Charlie, and it’s not what’s under the tree."]
This was a fabulous read. Nice and quick and sweet and happy and charming. A perfect Thursday night read (hopefully it'll set the mood for tomorrow/Friday as well as this weekend--*fingers crossed*).
Or maybe not. Yes it was very cute, but Charlie is the picture next to the word word-vomit and second-hand-embarrassment in the dictionary. I don’t need that for my weekend. Some cocoa, some books, and a happily ever after (and a book store dog)??? Hell. Yes.
#alliwantforchristmasisstu #lisahenry #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["I'm definitely on Santa's naughty list this year…
My agent calls me a PR nightmare, but I'm just trying to have some fun for the first time in my life. To clean up my supposed 'bad boy' image, I'm starring in a cheesy, live-action holiday rom-com set in Christmas Falls.
Ha, some punishment.
The head of the company producing the film is Hig Langton, my best friend's dad, aka my lifelong crush. The most kind-hearted and devastatingly handsome guy I’ve ever laid my eyes on. A sexy business man and mountain lumberjack rolled into one. He can jingle my bells any time.
But this year, I want Hig to stop seeing me as a kid… Or his son's best friend. I'm an adult, and it's time for Hig to start treating me like one. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen."]
This book! D: It was so sweet and there was so much pining and just snow-globe-Christmas-bliss. Hig and Brant were/are perfect for each other, even if there were a few (smaller than they though) obstacles in their way.
Also, Brant's "bad boy" image?? He's a freaking innocent as fuck puppy. Okay, a puppy with a dirty mind, but he's so sweet and careful and cautious, and media just sucks.
#clausingascene #caseycox
#grinchkisses #snowbodylovesme #getfrosted #silentknight #underthemistletome #noelfingway #readysetglow #scroogeyou #christmasfalls #christmasfallsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["The only thing bigger than Riggs’ attitude is his tool… And only one of those problems can be solved with more lube…
There's no tragic backstory or closet stuffed full of skeletons from relationships’ past. I've just never been very good at the “very special episode” sh*t. If you're looking for a shoulder to cry on, may I suggest a therapist?
Casual fun with my emotionally stunted, overgrown frat boy roommate slash co-worker should be perfect, right? Shep seems to be just as allergic to commitment as I am to emotions, but that doesn't mean we don't need our stroker rods serviced, if you catch my drift.
Now if he'll just stop looking at me with those dopey puppy dog eyes while I'm elbow deep in a diesel engine, and making my stomach flip with that smile of his, that would be great…"]
Two things:
1) Fucking love Riggs. Here for his attitude, here for his sass/spice, here for his pet crow
2) K.M. never fails to make my heart clench with both happiness, angst, and sadness all at the same time. Crazy magician.
#stickshift #stroker #crankshaft #rearended #lubejob #kmneuhold #bigbullmechanics #bigbullmechanicsseries #fourbearsconstruction #fourbearsconstructionseries #kmneuhold #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Welcome to the Barrington Christmas Market, where love is in the air along with the Christmas spirit, and where the omega Christmas elves might get everything they’ve dreamed of for Christmas….
Bailey
Family comes first. That’s always been my mantra. But that was before the Barrington Christmas Market and meeting Crispin Merriweather. I never would have thought that I’d be the sort of omega who would bend over backwards to help an alpha in need, but Crispin needs to win the Market’s Booth of the Week prize, and I definitely need to help him do it.
But will falling in love mean I have to choose between my alpha and my family?
Crispin
If I don’t win the cash prize that goes along with the Booth of the Week, it’s very possible that I might lose my bakery and everything I’ve worked ten years for. Sabotage by an old frenemy is bad enough, but now I have the most amazing, desirable omega distracting me too. Bailey is fantastic, and he’s determined to help me, but what if he’s the right omega at the wrong time?
How can I work to save my business when all I want to do is play Santa and stuff Bailey’s stocking?"]
This book was so fucking cute! There was a bit of angst (Bailey's family, Crispin's bakery, the classic Hallmark villian), but it was all so fluffy and happy and sweet and gahhh D:
I loved Crispin and Bailey, and I can't wait for the rest of this series to come out.
#naughtyelf #flirtyelf #sassyelf #cheekyelf #sweetelf #omegachristmas #omegachristmasseries #mmfarmer #bangersandmash #bangersandmashseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Hoping to give his young daughter, Holly, the joyful childhood he had, Trevor moves back to the one place he’s always considered home—Christmas Falls.
As happy as he is to be back in the festive atmosphere of the small charming town, it’s nothing compared to how excited he is to spend time with his best friend, Trey.
Taking over the family bookstore in the town he grew up in was all Trey had ever wanted. Until Trevor walked back into his life, proving his childhood crush had never completely faded.
And Trevor’s daughter? Well, the adorable girl quickly claims a piece of Trey’s heart.
With the help of a little holiday magic, these two men and one very determined little girl may get exactly what they need—a family."]
Kay, that first remeeting?! Sparks flew then. But when they got to know each other again? When they got closer and closer and fell slowly (quickly as fuck) in love? Wow.
And who wouldn't want to raise their daughter in a small town that's like family? Or surrounded by people who were more of a family than our own? Or with the best friend you ever had? That's magical. As magical as falling in love at Christmas (in a town addicted to it).
#underthemistletome #sammicee
#grinchkisses #snowbodylovesme #getfrosted #silentknight #clausingascene #noelfingway #readysetglow #scroogeyou #christmasfalls #christmasfallsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Of all the things Murphy Clark loves about Christmas Falls, there’s always been one he loves a little more than the rest:
His childhood best friend, Jem Knight.
Doesn’t matter that Jem’s barely been home in years, or that he’s busy conquering football fields instead of hanging out at Jolly Java or admiring Murphy’s carved wooden gnomes. Murphy’s always loved him anyway.
But now Jem’s finally returned to Christmas Falls to be the honorary figurehead of the biggest holiday festival in the Midwest.
Murphy’s hoping to rekindle their friendship but he didn’t count on Jem not recognizing him. Or flirting with him. Or re-igniting the hopeless crush he’s always had for his best friend.
He definitely didn’t expect for his crush to no longer be hopeless at all.
Or for both of them to realize that all they want for Christmas this year is each other."]
The mutual pining and the pure innocence of first loves in this book was so freaking sweet. Even if they were both major idiots for not communicating their wants/needs sooner.
Jem was at a fork in his life and didn't know what he wanted or which path he should take. He just knew he wanted the sexy lumberjack he met at Frosty's. Which, turns out, was actually his old best friend.
Murphy wanted something safe. And Jem. Turns out, Jem was the safest and smartest and happiest choice he could ever make.
#silentknight #bethbolden
#grinchkisses #snowbodylovesme #getfrosted #underthemistletome #clausingascene #noelfingway #readysetglow #scroogeyou #christmasfalls #christmasfallsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["For years, Mik has wanted nothing more than to put coal in Rudy Snow's stocking.
As former pro hockey players, they’ve been rivals for years. It started in Mik’s rookie season, when a reporter pitted him against his older brother's best friend. Rudy pushes Mik’s buttons like no one else, going out of his way to one-up him at every turn.
Now they manage pubs in a small town that takes Christmas to a level best seen in Hallmark movies, but not much else has changed. They’re still rivals, this time pitting gingerbread martinis against pomegranate sangria.
But when they’re forced to work together to plan a special holiday party, sparks ignite. Maybe it's a bad idea to put coal in Rudy's stocking after all. They both might just catch fire.
Then again, what better way is there to stay warm on a cold winter's night?"]
This story took me a while to read, only because I got sick. Once I was feeling better, I read through this so fast!
Mik and Rudy were so fucking cute together and separately. It was a slow burn (not necessarily my thing), and the angst didn't hit until the almost-third-act-break-up (I definitely cried), but the feeling of rightness and family and Home? God, this book was all of that and more.
#getfrosted #amyaislin
#grinchkisses #snowbodylovesme #silentknight #underthemistletome #clausingascene #noelfingway #readysetglow #scroogeyou #christmasfalls #christmasfallsseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
Another day, another lucky chance at another ARC. "Virgin Skin" is the second novel in K.M. Neuhold's Ink Slingers series. Thi...
