Friday, December 27, 2019

Under the Mistletoe by JC Valentine Release blitz & #giveaway @EJBookPromos @AuthorJCV @TTCBooksandmore

Title: Under the Mistletoe: A Reverse Harem Christmas Novel
Author: J.C. Valentine
Genre: Romance (Reverse Harem)
Release Date: December 27, 2019
It all started with a Christmas party. How was I supposed to know an innocent game of “Spin the Bottle” would change the course of my entire life?
He’s the office shy guy. Lacking in classic good looks, I never noticed Niles Prescott until a twisted office game has us kissing under the mistletoe. That’s all it takes, and now I’m hooked. When Niles proposes a hookup with us and his roommates, I figure it can’t hurt. I’m always down to try new things, but this time, I might be biting off more than I can chew.
When a snowstorm traps me in a house with three sexy bachelors on Christmas, I have no choice but to play the hand that is dealt. But these guys aren’t saints, and when I find out they’ve been keeping a secret, one that could destroy what should be one of the happiest days of the year, I have to decide between keeping them and running for the hills.
But choosing is going to be damn near impossible because, now that I’ve had all three of them, one man will never be enough again.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Seven Minutes in Heaven. That was the game kids used to play for a poor excuse to kiss their crush—if they were lucky. The adult version is Under the Mistletoe, and it’s a hyped-up adult version of the same. Same rules apply, but with different props. Instead of hiding in a closet, two unfortunate souls are peer-pressured into standing under a stupid, dangling piece of mistletoe nailed to an archway to share a kiss.
It’s me. I’m the unfortunate soul tonight. I can’t say the same for Niles. He seems pretty damn happy about the whole thing. And why wouldn’t he? He’s been the underdog for as long as I’ve known him, which is in the ballpark of five months, but it’s pretty obvious that he’s the office nerd. No dates, no history of torrid affairs, no drunken stories to tell. The guy is as straightlaced as they come, right down to his pressed slacks and combed back hair.
I have to admit, though, he does have some killer green eyes. One of the lucky two percent of the world’s population, the bastard.
I look up into those eyes now, wondering how in the world I got myself into this mess. Then I remember it happened somewhere between the RumChata and Marisa’s mixed cocktails that were more like fireballs tearing out the lining of my throat as they clawed their way down my esophagus.
Office parties are the shit. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. And if they aren’t, then you’re not working in the right one.
Five years ago, I was lucky enough to find the perfect fit in terms of workplaces and people. Then I got fired for making a pass at my boss, and just when I thought I’d never find another Cinderella shoe like that one, I stumbled upon the little diamond called Fairweather Corporation, and while I have no earthly clue what they do or how they do it beyond the paperwork I push, it became an unexpected second home away from home.
So the whole point of this brief walk down memory lane is that there’s no way in hell I can shirk my responsibilities of kissing Mr. Niles Prescott tonight or any night, because at this early stage in my career with this company, I can’t afford not to be a team player. If that means swapping spit with a pasty version of Urkel, then so be it. Bring on the smooches!
Niles stands nervously in front of me, biting a thin lower lip, while our buddies watch on, jeering at us to “do it, do it,” and I know it’s now or never.
I waggle an eyebrow, take a step closer, and Niles takes an audible breath as I reach up to his lofty height and take his gentle face between my hands. “Kiss me like you mean it,” I tell him as I lift onto my toes and bring my mouth to his.
J.C. Valentine is the USA Today and International bestselling author of the Night Calls and Wayward Fighters Series and the Forbidden Trilogy. Her vivid imagination and love of words and romance had her penning her own romance stories from an early age, which, despite being poorly edited and written longhand, she forced friends and family members to read. No, she isn't sorry.
Living in the Northwest, she has three amazing children and far too many pets. Among the many hats she wears, J.C. is an entrepreneur. Having graduated with honors, she holds a Bachelor's in English and when she isn't writing, you can find her editing for fellow authors. 
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Tuesday, December 24, 2019

All I Want Is You by DJ Jamison | Cat’s Audio Review @dj_jamison_ @TTCBooksandmore



All I Want Is You
By: DJ Jamison
Narrated by: Wyatt Baker
Length: 5 hrs and 9 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-29-19
Language: English
Publisher: DJ Jamison
Whispersync for Voice-ready

One kiss under the mistletoe destroyed a friendship. Will another Christmas kiss remake it into something better?

Eli hasn't been home since he left at 18 with a heart aching from his best friend's rejection and his father's intolerance. But when his father reaches out, Eli figures it's time to make peace with his family. He doesn't expect to come face-to-face with Turner too - or to learn that the straight friend he'd foolishly loved is actually bisexual - but once the shock wears off, he knows exactly what he wants for Christmas.

Turner's life isn't everything he'd once planned, but he's happy to be the shoulder his loved ones lean on. They keep him busy, which is just as well since none of his dates have really clicked. He hasn't been able to connect with anyone the way he did with his former best friend. When Eli shows up for the holidays after years away, Turner doesn't know what hit him. But he knows one thing: This time, he wants to give Eli a reason to stay.

All I Want Is You is a friends to lovers, second-chance romance with an HEA.

©2018 DJ Jamison (P)2019 DJ Jamison

Buy links: Audible Amazon

Cat gives this one 4 Meows overall 4 Meows performance 4 Meows story...

This was a good Holiday story. I loved the characters and the second chance romance between them. I also loved Scout the Border Collie.

I listened to the audio and the narration was ok. It was just that though a basic reading with no real voice changes or emotion.

I do recommend the book though for a fun Christmas story.


DJ Jamison worked in newsrooms for more than 10 years, which helped tremendously when she began her series of novellas centered on The Ashe Sentinel, a fictional small-town newspaper in Kansas. When she's not laboring over her works of fiction, she works as a social media marketer and blogger.


Sign up for DJ's mailing list for updates, giveaway opportunities and bonus content! It's at www.tinyurl.com/djandcompany. She also has a fun FB group, DJ and Company, where she posts teasers and other fun tidbits. Just search for it on Facebook and request to join!

Website Twitter: dj_jamison_

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Follow the blogs Facebook page >>HERE<< to keep track of all posts, including those that might include a giveaway! 

Ignite (Ignite Series Book 1) by Nora Phoenix | Cat’s Audio Review @NoraPhoenixMM @KObiNarrator @TTCBooksandmore

Ignite
Ignite Series, Book 1
By: Nora Phoenix
Narrated by: Kenneth Obi
Series: Ignite (Phoenix), Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 16 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-25-19
Language: English
Publisher: Nora Phoenix
Whispersync for Voice-ready

The United States has split into three countries, and in the Conservative United States, being gay will get you sent to a reintegration camp. Tan has survived three years in camp, but he’s at the limit of what he can endure, even with the help of his best friend, Austin. 

When a massive meteor shower creates complete chaos at the camp, Austin and Tan see a chance to escape and they take it. On a whim, they decide to bring Mack with them, a newbie at camp who seems to know more about survival than anyone. But when the meteor shower turns out to be much more and they discover aliens have landed on Earth with war on their agenda, their escape becomes a hell of a lot more dangerous. All of a sudden, they’re not only hiding from their own government, but from alien forces as well. Their only chance is to reach the border to find freedom. But without power and food, and with every man for himself, how will they survive? 

While the world around them burns, all they have are each other. 

Ignite is the first book in the Ignite series, which mixes dystopian elements with sci-fi and a slow burn MMM romance. The first book will end in a cliffhanger, so no HEA or HFN, but we’ll get there eventually. Rest assured: none of the main characters will die in this series. Please mind the trigger warnings in the front of the book.

©2018 Nora Phoenix (P)2019 Nora Phoenix


Buy links:  Audible Amazon

Cat gives this one 4 Meows with a 2 Purr heat index...

This says it is a book one and it is very good, but I will admit I wanted a bit more information about why Austin, Mack and Tan were in this camp and what kind of camp it was.  I would also liked to have know a bit more about the Civil war that is mentioned as well but having said that, the story is quite good.

I liked the narration and as usual Kenneth Obi gives each character a distinctive voice and brings lots of emotion to the story.

I don’t usually read dystopian or Sci-fi but I quite enjoyed this story and am waiting for the next!

Would you like the long or the short version of my bio? The short? You got it.
I write steamy gay romance books and I love it. I also love reading books. Books are everything. How was that?

A little more detail? Gotcha.
I started writing my first stories when I was a teen...on a freaking typewriter. I still have these, and they're adorably romantic. And bad, haha. Fear of failing kept me from following my dream to become a romance author, so you can imagine how proud and ecstatic I am that I finally overcame my fears and self-doubt and did it. I adore my genre because I love writing and reading about flawed, strong men who are just a tad broken..but find their happy ever after anyway.

My favorite books to read are pretty much all MM/gay romances as long as they have a happy end. Kink is a plus... Aside from that, I also read a lot of nonfiction and not just books on writing. Popular psychology is a favorite topic of mine and so are self-help and sociology.

Hobbies? Ain't nobody got time for that. Just kidding. I love traveling, spending time near the ocean, and hiking. But I love books more.

Come hang out with me in my Facebook Group Nora's Nook where I share previews, sneak peeks, freebies, fun stuff, and much more: 

Wanna get first dibs on freebies, updates, sales, and more? Sign up for my newsletter (no spamming your inbox full...promise!) here: 

You can also stalk me on Twitter: @NoraFromBHR Instagram andOn Bookbub






Monday, December 23, 2019

Homemade for the Holidays (2019 Advent Anthology) | Cat’s Review & #giveaway @Dreamspinners @TTCBooksandmore



Choosing the right gift for that special someone can be the most daunting part of the holidays. In a sea of mass-produced items, why buy when you can DIY? The end-of-the-year festivities are the best time for crafts, whether they’re made from yarn, paper, flour, or even code. And with some love and luck, these special presents might inspire a romance that lasts an evening… or a lifetime.  Nothing makes the season merry and bright like a gift handmade from the heart, and to bring smiles to the faces of the ones they care about, these guys are willing to get creative.
Click here to purchase this bundle from Dreamspinner Press!
Enjoy the winter holidays with this fun collection of light-hearted romances available at special preorder pricing October 15th - November 15th!
Purchasing the stories individually would add up to $73.70 - instead, enjoy all these stories for only $34.99 - for a limited time only! The full package will be delivered to your bookshelf on December 1st.
Regular package pricing of $49.99 starts November 16th and stories will be available to purchase individually at full price on December 1st.
Click here to purchase this bundle from Dreamspinner Press!
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Title: Flour, Eggs, Sugar, and Magic
Category: Holiday Romance, Fantasy Romance, Gay
Pages: 38
Synopsis
Wannabe witch Will Brand’s attempts at making magic cookies for the kids at a local shelter go awry when his ex-boyfriend messages and turns Will’s good energy to anger. Will has no idea there’s anything wrong with the cookies until his hunky roommate, Lucas, scarfs three of them, cursing himself with bad luck, unfettered hate, and ill health. In a race against time, Will must find a way to break the spell before accidents, ex-lovers, and a sudden illness make this Christmas Lucas’s last.
This isn’t your regular sweet romance. I did like Will and the aspect of the magic and him trying to make the cookies for the youth shelter was  cute and the Magic going wrong was interesting. The things that happened to Luca’s was interesting and twisted. I really liked the story but to me it didn’t fit the rest of the stories as being homemade since the only thing really that fit that bill was the magic cookies that were not even for Lucas. But having said that it as a really good story and one I would like to see in full length to get more detail on both of these men and how Will has magic in him.

Title: For Joy
Category: Contemporary Romance, Gay, Holiday Romance
Pages: 48
Synopsis
When college athlete Chad comes out to his parents and gets a nasty reaction, sparkly twink Joaquin “Joy” Acosta offers him shelter in his tiny apartment. Joy’s the sweetest, most beautiful a roommate on the planet, and every day, Chad falls in love a little bit more. The problem is, Joy will never know since his banter-loving hipster friends make bear-sized Chad feel all hulking and tongue-tied.
Joy is a sucker for anything handmade, though, and eventually, Chad decides to tell him he loves him with a self-knitted pair of gloves. But it turns out knitting is way harder than Chad expected. Fortunately, Joy knows just how to save the day….
Cat gives this one 4 Meows with a 2 Purr heat index
A sweet coming-out holiday story. Had has had a crush on Joy for a long time and has decided to come out to his parents. When they didn’t take it well, Joy let him crash on his couch. I loved Joy. He is such a fun quirky character.
Author: Crystel Greene

Title: Get Lit 
Category: Contemporary Romance, Gay, Holiday Romance
Pages: 33
Synopsis
Uri Kessler is a bit of a klutz. Recently divorced from a guy he married too quickly and yearning to have a holiday that feels special, he decides to make Hanukkah candles. The results are literally a blazing disaster. But Uri’s mishap helps him get to know Oscar Cortez, his sexy new neighbor, and the two men instantly hit it off. While Uri finds himself drawn to Oscar, he’s also afraid to make a mess of their budding relationship. It’ll take a small miracle to make things work between them.
Cat gives this one 4 Meows with a 0 Purr heat index
This was a unique, fun and sort of funny romance. I shouldn’t be laughing at Uri’s klutziness because it was kinda dangerous, but everything works into a hea in the long run. It is a Hanukah story and I like that there is other holidays presented.

Title: A Graphically Designed Holiday
Category: Contemporary Romance, Gay, Holiday Romance
Pages: 48
Graphic designer Eli has harbored a secret crush on nerdy math teacher Lincoln since they were at school together, and he’s perfectly content with his unrequited feelings—until Lincoln requests a special handmade holiday gift: a dating profile with all the bells and whistles Eli can include, one that will be sure to find Lincoln a boyfriend for Christmas.
Eli uses building the profile as an excuse to spend time with Lincoln, but will he be able to watch his friend find love with someone else?
Cat gives this one 5 Meows with a 1 Purr heat index
I loved this story. Eli is designing a dating profile for his best friend and the man he is secretly in love with. I loved watching them going out as friends together and the descriptions in this story are great. It is fast-paced and fun.

Title: The Great Aerodynamicist
Category: Contemporary Romance, Gay, Holiday Romance
Pages: 25
Thinking he’s up to the task, droll Irishman Donnell, who is new to Australia, has almost completed assembling a model steampunk flying machine for his nephew’s Christmas present. Then an accident involving a parachute, some superglue, and his mouth lands Donnell in the emergency room with two of his fantasy men… only one of whom is real.
Cat gives this one 4 Meows with a 1 Purr heat index
I liked this book but found a lot missing. I would have liked at least a small epilogue letting us know if he gets the cafe running and how business picks up and the relationship goes. It was a great story but very incomplete more like a day or two in the life of. But still a fun Holiday read and extremely funny.
I liked this book but found a lot missing. I would have liked at least a small epilogue letting us know if he gets the cafe running and how business picks up and the relationship goes. It was a great story but very incomplete more like a day or two in the life of. But still a fun Holiday read and extremely funny.

Title: Hole-Hearted
Category: Contemporary Romance, Gay, Holiday Romance
Pages: 20
Synopsis
Pediatrician Luce Wright’s bad breakup gets worse when his drunk ex drives a car through his house a week before Christmas. His whole family is coming over in just a few days, and he can’t have a hole with a tarp over it in the middle of his dining room.
Fortunately his neighbor’s son is moving back into town, and he owns a construction company. Can Luce and his homemade cookies persuade Darren to mend the hole in the house… and maybe the one in Luce’s heart too?
Cat gives this one 3 Meows with a 0 Purr heat index
This story was cute but for me, it had a few holes (had to do the pun sorry) It was more like a day in the life of and not a complete story. Now having said that it was cute and interesting and a little different.
Author: Sam Burns 

Title: A Holiday Homecoming 
Category: Contemporary Romance, Gay, Holiday Romance
Pages: 62
Ten years ago Jon’s passion for the piano took him across the country to New York, where a demanding concert career consumed his life and left him no time to look back. His father’s stroke is the only thing that brings him home to Seattle. The sickroom makes for a dreary holiday until Jon runs into Bo, whose inner light can make anything sparkle.

Bo loves the holidays: the food, the crafts, the glitter! A fling with an old school friend—who grew up to be his celebrity crush—makes a good thing better. The season turns sour, though, when Jon is offered a gig he can’t refuse. He wants Bo to share the moment, but Bo doesn’t fly. Anywhere. Ever. Is this goodbye, or will a handmade ornament bring Jon home to Bo?
Cat gives this one 5 Meows with a 0 Purr heat index
I absolutely loved it! This is such a beautiful holiday story. It is filled with romance, second chances and glitter!
Author: Liv Rancourt




Friday, December 20, 2019

Vengeful Lover (Exit Strategy, Book 2) by Jocelynn Drake | Cat’s Audio Review & #giveaway @jocelyndrake @KObiNarrator @TTCBooksandmore






Narrated by: Kenneth Obi
Series: Exit Strategy, Book 2
Length: 7 hrs and 7 mins

Every assassin has an exit strategy - their ultimate plan for leaving that dangerous life and disappearing. They just never expect to live long enough to enact it. Gabriel Prescott was no different. But everything changed when he met fellow mercenary Justin Mallory.

Now, he’s racing across Europe with Justin to put to rest old threats before they can end both their lives. Of course, it will also mean coming clean to Justin about exactly who he is and who wants him dead. Gabriel can only hope that Justin will still want him when the truth comes out.

©2019 Jocelynn Drake (P)2019 Jocelynn Drake

Buy links: Audible Amazon

Cat gives this one 5 Meows with a 3 Purr heat index...

This is a book two of the Exit Strategy series and must be read in order. This one takes place after events that led to Gabriel taking off settling scores and removing threats to their future together. But who is Gabriel really and why do they end up taking on the Russian Mafia? Then a twist and why is the CIA interfering and who is Justin? Will Justin and Gabriel be freed and have a future together or is this just another attempt for Gabriel to get rid of his past and maybe Justin too?

Oh boy are there twist and turns in here! Lots of action, drama, and a little betrayal. I was sitting on the edge of my seat.

This is a great book, but Kenneth Obi gives each character great voice and I loved Gabriel’s Russian accent and Colton’s southern one. I cannot wait for the next book!


It started with a battered notebook. Jocelynn Drake wrote her first story when she was 12 years old. It was a retelling of Robin Hood that now included a kickass female who could keep up with all the boys and be more than just a sad little love interest. From there, she explored space, talked to dragons, and fell in love again and again and again.

This former Kentucky girl has moved up, down, and across the U.S. with her patient husband. They've settled near the Rockies...for now. She spends the majority of her time lost in the strong embrace of a good book.

When she's not hammering away at her keyboard or curled up with a book, she can usually be found cuddling with her cat Demona, walking her dog Ace, or flinging curses at the TV while playing a video game. Outside of books, furry babies, and video games, she is completely enamored of Bruce Wayne, Ezio Auditore, travel, tattoos, explosions, and fast cars.

She is the author of the urban fantasy series: The Dark Days series and the Asylum Tales. She is also working on a gay romantic suspense series called The Exit Strategy. She has also co-authored with Rinda Elliot the following series: Unbreakable Bonds, Ward Security, and Pineapple Grove.

She can be found at JocelynnDrake.com


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Homemade for the Holidays (2019 Advent Anthology) | Cat’s Review & #giveaway @Dreamspinners @TTCBooksandmore



Choosing the right gift for that special someone can be the most daunting part of the holidays. In a sea of mass-produced items, why buy when you can DIY? The end-of-the-year festivities are the best time for crafts, whether they’re made from yarn, paper, flour, or even code. And with some love and luck, these special presents might inspire a romance that lasts an evening… or a lifetime.  Nothing makes the season merry and bright like a gift handmade from the heart, and to bring smiles to the faces of the ones they care about, these guys are willing to get creative.
Click here to purchase this bundle from Dreamspinner Press!
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The Carpenter's Prince
Jayce Ellis
Synopsis
Sean Edwards would do anything for his nephew, including designing the props for a children’s version of the Nutcracker. He’s ready for the long nights and weekends in the workshop—they’re part of the job, especially given the short notice. The insanely sexy head ballerino is completely unexpected, however.
All principal danseur Keni Jackson wants is to surpass last year’s performance, blow people’s socks off, and cement his place in the studio. The last thing he needs is something to shatter his carefully held control—like a cuddly carpenter who favors jazz over Tchaikovsky.

Sean and Keni are drawn to each other, but not everyone is a fan of their relationship. When Keni’s position is threatened, they have to decide whether to walk away for good, or if what they’ve found is worth fighting for.

Cat gives this one 4 Meows with a 1 Purr heat index... 

This is a very sweet, fun Christmas story. The characters are good, relatable, and the sexual tension is good without having to have a lot on-page. And of course, funny kids always lighten up a good story. A great feelgood read.
Buy links: Dreamspinner - Amazon

About the author ... Jayce Ellis has three loves: her husband and her two turtles. Hubby loves her back. The turtles she’s not so sure about, but they do love their sports (Bay Area teams FTW!). She still hasn’t figured out why she lives in Northern Virginia, where there’s weather, instead of California, where she’s from and where it’s just… pretty. Jayce spends her days divorcing happily married couples (or so she’s been told), and her nights talking maniacally to herself. Thankfully the recorder catches her rumblings and magically turns them into words on a screen. Painting nails is way easier when you don’t actually have to type, and with well over 500 polishes to get through, there’s a lot of painting going on. 
Notwithstanding her no-good, very bad, horrible day job, Jayce seriously believes that true love conquers all. Even Malificent said it. Sure, she was having an epic Mean Girls moment at the time, but she still said it. And she’s right. The only thing Jayce loves more than writing about true love conquering all is hearing from readers who feel the same way. Drop her a line; she’d love to hear from you.
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Christmas Ghosts  
Jenn Moffat
Synopsis
Dealing with the unexpected loss of his mother isn’t how carpenter Steve Brownings planned to spend his Christmas. Hoping her costume jewelry can bring some happiness to others, he takes it to the local community theater, where he runs into his first love, Trey Baxter.

Trey’s trying to help his sister put on a gender-fluid version of A Christmas Carol, but no one on the cast or crew knows which end of a hammer to hold let alone use a power tool. Then a face from the past brings a present-day miracle… one that could lead to a happy future they both thought they gave up back in high school.


Cat gives this one 4 Meows with a 1 Purr heat index... 

A sweet and fun holiday romance. If you like second chances this is for you!
Buy links: Dreamspinner - Amazon

About the Author... Jenn Moffatt is a proud nerd. Raised on Star Trek, Dark Shadows, The Wild Wild West, and James Bond, she learned not to be afraid of things that go bump in the night and to have hope for the future of humanity. She grew up wanting to be a member of the Addams Family or part of the crew of the USS Enterprise—and she still does. 
She’s been soaked to the skin for Chinese New Year and walked in the fog in Frisco. Went to high school in Sin City, and no, she didn’t live in a casino. Lived on the slope of an active volcano, and used to snorkel between classes in college on the Big Island. Now she lives in San Diego where she gets to see the ocean and wildflowers in the desert on the same day.
Jenn was born disabled, which gives her a deep understanding of what it’s like to be different, but she’s never let it hold her back. It just means she gets pretty good parking. 
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Crochet My Heart 
Carol Pedroso
Synopsis
Accountant Tristan plans to make a ton of crochet items for his local LGBT charity to sell at their holiday fair. His only problem? He can’t crochet.

Fortunately the community center offers a class, and it’s taught by Charlie, who is gorgeous and sexy and seems interested. At first. Can grandmotherly fellow classmate Ivy guide the clueless men to each other, or will it take something more serious to help them see the possibilities?
Buy links: Dreamspinner - Amazon

Cat gives this one 5 Meows with a 1 Purr heat index...

Oh my gosh I loved this one. This was a very well written short story and felt like a full story. I loved both characters, all of the secondary characters. The elderly lady in the crochet group was a hoot. Not only is this a fun, sweet romance then we get a big twist and some suspense. Of course, add in some holiday magic and a lovely HEA.

About the Author... Carol Pedroso lives by the seaside in the south east of the UK. She started writing when she was young but stopped once work and life interfered. She started up again in 2014 when she stumbled upon the Wednesday Briefs Writing Group. She likes to ensure all her characters find their HEA and that any bad guys get what they deserve. 
Carol is a full-time mum and wife, as well as an active volunteer in her community. She helps out with various charitable groups and teaches classes such as cooking, sewing, and crochet. 
She is always grateful to her family and friends (both on and off-line) for their unwavering support in her pursuit of her writing aims. 
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An Elf to Myself
Emy Calirel 
Synopsis
The last thing Wilhelm expects to find at Michaels, three days before Christmas and in search of a gift to make for his niece, is one of Santa’s elves—a cute one with a wicked, inappropriate sense of humor and a kinky streak. Alabastair may have been kicked out of Santa’s village, but he’s still a Christmas expert. And he’s determined to give Wilhelm and his family the best holiday he can.

With only two days to turn the Grinch’s house into a Christmassy wonderland, they have a lot on their plate. Among the glitter and the cheer, Wilhelm and Alabastair might find more than just the holiday’s magic. But will it be enough to keep Alabastair in Wilhelm’s bed and life when the North Pole calls him back?

Cat gives this one 5 Meows with a 1 Purr heat index...  

This is a fun unique take on elves. I liked that they are real humans and my heart went out to Alabastair. I nearly cried at the thought he was dropped from the North Pole in Chicago with no food, money or even a coat. But then maybe just maybe Santa wasn’t being mean but helping out both men? Christmas has never been anything but a heartache to Wilhelm ( I will let you read the story to see why) so he never celebrates. This year his sister insists he let them, and his niece comes over for Christmas lunch. The deal is… She makes lunch he has to make his nieces gift. So off to the craft store where he meets a cute, meek little man that is too helpful. I loved the contrast between Wilhelm and Alabastair. Alabastair was so fun and quirky. Great feel-good romance.
Buy links: Dreamspinner - Amazon

About the Author... Emy Calirel grew up in France, but also spent some time in Africa as a child. When she finally reached adulthood, she jumped on opportunities and moved to California, then Ireland, before coming back to her roots. San Francisco still holds her heart, though, and always will.
After trying a couple different jobs, she settled down and now works in a funeral home/monumental masonry, which she loves. To handle life’s daily stress, she laughs with her coworkers a lot and spends any free time she gets reading or daydreaming about queer folks finding their happily ever after.
She’s a cat owner, a plant killer, and a San Francisco Giants fan. Wanderlust flows in her veins, and her goal is to visit every capital in Europe—if she can ever stop herself from going back to London over and over again.
Emy’s muse is a sassy being who expertly farms plot bunnies in Emy’s overgrown imagination. As a consequence, Emy has more stories and characters living in her head than she’ll ever be able to write in her lifetime. She’s fine with it, though, as, like a child, she loves playing in her sandbox.
A documentary enthusiast and curious to a fault, Emy often loses herself in research and will happily share her discoveries with everyone. Did you know most mammals empty their bladders in twenty-one seconds?
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Evan Versus the Sharlotka
Emy Calirel
Synopsis
Rumpled tech support Evan Carmichael has a crush on pristine programming supervisor Gavriil Cottan. The whole company knows it. Except Gavriil. As a closet romantic, Evan dreams of declaring his feelings with a grand gesture, something out of the movies he loves.
The company holiday potluck luncheon gives Evan a perfect opportunity. He finds out Gavriil’s favorite dessert and is determined to make an apple sharlotka just like Gavriil’s mother used to make. The only problem is, Evan is a disaster in the kitchen. Can he master the mystery of the sharlotka and the intricacies of the springform pan in time to both woo and wow Gavriil?

Cat gives this one 4 Meows with a 1 Purr heat index... This is a sweet, friends to lovers, office romance. I loved watching Evan try so hard making this Sharlotka to impress Gavrill. This one is super short and can be read in next to no time!
Buy links: Dreamspinner - Amazon
About the Author... Chrissy Munder writes contemporary M/M romance filled with everyday men and extraordinary passion to transport readers into their personal world of love, laughter, and desire

She is an avid reader, a wanderer of Michigan’s wilderness, and, while not in any particular order, a lover of lists, zombies, and bad sci-fi. She’s also perpetually behind on everything—except feeding the cat. There are those who might tell you she started writing LGBTQ romance as a way to justify her office supply addiction, but shhhhh! don’t listen to them.
After too many jobs in too many states she’s eagerly awaiting a far too distant retirement and the chance to become a full-time Lake Michigan beachcomber. Until then, she’s excited to share her love of romance, laughter, and happy-ever-afters.  
Chrissy loves to chat with her readers so don't be shy! Visit her on Twitter, her website, Facebook, or Goodreads.
Do you love holiday romance as much as Chrissy? Join the Chrissy Munder Holiday Collection Club for special updates and sneak peeks at upcoming work.
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The Fairy Shop 
Tara Lain
Synopsis
When Nate Hawthorne meets Asher Dane, the huge, tattooed hunk is the personification of Nate’s dreams. But Nate knows there’s no future, because Asher is also the personification of his beloved five-year-old daughter Delly’s nightmares. She’s frightened of big men. Things turn around for both of them, however, when Delly goes Christmas shopping at the Fairy Shop and begins her quest for a wand that will make her brave. Neither of them guesses that the Fairy Shop will be the source of far more than Delly’s courage. On Christmas Eve, under the influence of a very unusual fairy, Nate’s life will change forever.

Cat gives this one 5 Meows with a 2 Purr heat index...

This story is filled with sweetness, and Holiday magic. I loved the details of the Fairy shop and Ophelia. I liked the way little Delly connects with Ophelia and dresses like her. I also like how Delly just doesn’t run up and grab a wand and ponders it over a few days’ time trying to select just the right one. The heat between Asher and Nate is snow melting (I couldn’t help myself). So great characters, a tiny bit of suspense (Delly’s reason for being afraid is sad) fabulous descriptions and I loved the meanings of names and stuff. A must-read holiday story!
Buy links: Dreamspinner - Amazon

About the Author... Tara Lain believes in happy ever afters—and magic. Same thing. In fact, she says, she doesn’t believe, she knows. Tara shares this passion in her stories, which star her unique, charismatic heroes and adventurous heroines. Quarterbacks and cops, werewolves and witches, blue collar or billionaires, Tara’s characters, readers say, love deeply, resolve seemingly insurmountable differences, and ultimately live their lives authentically. After many years living in southern California, Tara, her soulmate honey, and her soulmate dog decided they wanted fewer cars and more trees, prompting a move to Ashland, Oregon, where Tara’s creating new stories and loving living in a small town with big culture. Likely a Gryffindor but possessed of Parseltongue, Tara loves animals of all kinds, diversity, open minds, coconut crunch ice cream from Zoeys, and her readers. She also loves to hear from you.


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Finding Yuletide Karol 
L.A. Merrill
Synopsis
Fifty years ago, during the Vietnam War, Lee Elbridge fell in love with an Army cook nicknamed Yuletide Karol, but they haven’t seen each other since.
Now, led by a clue in an old cookbook, Lee sets off on a road trip to find his lost love. He arrives on Karol's upstate New York farm to find preparations for a handfasting in full swing, and is mistaken for the wedding planner’s assistant. As Lee is roped into folding hemp napkin goats and mashing fresh sweet potatoes, he is welcomed by Karol's large, eccentric family of witches and pagans. When Lee and Karol finally get a moment alone, Lee tells him the truth, but it will take more than a little Yuletide magick to bring them together again after almost a lifetime.

Cat gives this one 5 Meows with a 1 Purr heat index
I like that this one has older Characters. Lee is in his seventies now, wealthy, seems to have it all except he is lonely. An office party gift gives him a clue as to where he may find his first and only true love. How he met Karol was poignant and how he finds him is sweet. And I love his personal assistant sidekick that adds a touch of humor to the story!
Buy links: Dreamspinner - Amazon

Author the Author... L.A. Merrill is a Kansas City native and author of more than six impossible things.  She has worked as a tour guide, an assistant stage director, and spent one memorable summer as a camp counselor. Her work has appeared in Kansas City Voices magazine, on the YouTube series The Blank Scene, and online. An avid knitter, she has yet to follow a pattern and has made some interestingly shaped hats as a result. She lives in a tiny house filled with over five thousand books and an indeterminate number of dogs.


Follow her on Twitter for feminism and fangirling @la_mer92, on Facebook @L.A.MerrillWrites, or check out her website, www.leahmerrillwrites.wordpress.com.


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