Book Review: Steamy Cider and Apples (Holiday Jobs that Don't Suck #8) by Jackie Nacht

When Tyler finds that he needs to earn some extra money to cover his fraternity dues for the next semester, his frat brother, Mitch, suggests working at with his twin brother, Sawyer, making apple cider and cinnamon doughnuts. This is a win-win situation for Tyler since he'll be able to earn money for dues and spend time with his crush. Little does he know that Sawyer has been crushing on him as well.

Short and sweet, this is a nice, quick read. It has romance, humor, awkwardness and a little tension mixed in. As always, it was nice to see some of the characters from previous novellas and know they're happy and still in love, particularly Merrick and Darren from Pink Bunny Ears...Seriously?.

Buy Steamy Cider and Apples here and here.

~ M

Adopt a Dog by EdwardsMate4Ever

Adopt a Dog by EdwardsMate4Ever

While working at the annual Pit Bull Adoption Fair, Seth feels dismayed. He's in charge of the older dogs, who are always harder to place in forever homes than the puppies. On top of that, the breed has such a stigma attached to it, so Seth's day seems hopeless. When a handsome strangers shows interest in Seth's favorite, eight-year-old female Pit, Xena, he's both happy that she'll be in a good home and saddened that she'll be leaving the shelter. However, Xena's adoption may bring more happiness than he ever anticipated.

I really enjoyed this story! As a dog lover, I appreciated the fact that EdwardsMate4Ever highlighted adopting dogs that are not only difficult to place because of breed, but also age. It breaks my heart every time I visit an animal shelter and see the older dogs waiting to be adopted. :( EdwardsMate4Ever was also able to effectively mix in the right about of snark, wide-eyed wonder and compassion into my favorite Twilight character, Seth. Emmett was great as the all-American hunky guy with a teddy bear's heart. The development of the MC's relationship seemed very realistic and didn't seem at all rushed in this one shot. Definitely give this heartwarming story a try! It's really sweet.

Story links: FF I AO3 I Fictionpad

~ M

A Birthday Carol by zeewriter

A Birthday Carol by zeewriter

After the death of his wife, Bella, and best friend, Alice, within years of each other, Edward has hidden himself away from the world. He's become a grumpy man who can't be bothered with anyone or anything. In the midst of his grief, he inadvertently abandoned his good friend, Jasper, as he dealt with Alice's death and becoming a single father.

One night, Edward is informed that he will be visited by three ghosts throughout the night who will try to convince him to live his life and explore the feelings he's had for Jasper all these years. He finds it hard to believe that ghosts will visit him and that he has feelings for his good, male friend. Will Edward be convinced to follow his heart or will he live the remainder of his years as a Scrooge.

A Christmas Carol is a holiday classic everyone is familiar with and perfect for this time of year. zeewriter's Twilight and slash twists not only breathe new life into the well-known story, but also adds a little fun and excitement. This is great holiday short story that will bring a smile to your face and warm your heart!

~ M

Life for Sale, Love for Keeps by Raven.Borgia

Life for Sale, Love for Keeps by Raven.Borgia

After yet another day of fighting in the arena, Agron and Duro use their winnings to purchase whores for a night of passion. The raven-haired slave, known as Tanis, chosen to fulfill all desires immediately intrigues Agron. He is taken by his beauty, but there is also something deep down that Agron can't ignore. Tanis is shocked by the tenderness and care bestowed upon him. So often the other gladiators are rough and unkind, leaving him injured and empty. Each week Agron and Tanis meet to not only sate their desires, but also pretend that they are just two free men connecting with one another. When Ashur threatens to keep them apart, Agron must try everything within his power to keep Tanis safe and in his arms.

This story is so good! It has a great mixture tension, angst, heat and romantic fluff. I fell in love with both characters and with each passing chapter, I root for the success of their relationship. Things won't be easy for the couple as they exist in slavery, but I definitely look forward to seeing what happens!

~ M

picture credit: steorie.livejournal.com

The Boy Who Bakes by Evergreene

The Boy Who Bakes by Evergreene

Summary:  In which Agron works in a bakery called the Ludus and Nasir has a crush on him.

Nasir has been harboring a crush on the wildly handsome Agron, who works at the new bakery, The Ludus, across the street from his place of employment. Encouraged, and forced, by his good friend and co-worker, Naevia, to meet the enticing stranger, Nasir is struck by not only Agron's beauty, but also his kindness.

Agron, on the other hand, recognizes Nasir immediately. In another life, he and the little man shared something truly special, and Agron has been waiting, rather impatiently, in this life for the return of his love. Will Nasir remember the passion and devotion he shared with Agron in a much simpler time, or will he become overwhelmed by his inexplicable feelings for his new friend?

If you're looking for a sweet and fluffy reincarnation fic, this is a great read. Evergreene captures the awkwardness and frustration shared by both Nasir and Agron as they try to navigate their new relationship. I'm looking forward to seeing how things develop between the MCs and wonder when, and if, Nasir will remember their incredible love affair from so long ago.

~ M

picture credit: disco-mouse@deviantart

Book Review: Sappy Pine Trees and Sticky Fingers (Holiday Jobs that Don't Suck #10) by Jackie Nacht

Summary: Tis the season - pine needles, sap and frozen limbs, yet these two can still feel the heat between them.

Three years ago, Grant left for school, but he didn't leave without regret. An attraction to his friend, Wyatt, that he'd never pursued, has haunted him these past years. Finally, while home for holiday break, he has a second chance when he runs into non other than Wyatt himself.

Wyatt has always regretted the moment lost between him and Grant. When Grant starts working at Wyatt's family Christmas tree farm, Wyatt can sense that the feelings between them have never dwindled in all the time they were apart. A second chance is brought before them, but what will happen when Grant has to return to school?

*~*~*

2.75 stars

I thought this was a sweet and uncomplicated second-chance-at-love story. I've enjoyed all of the novellas in the Holiday Jobs that Don't Suck series, but I didn't feel the same spark between Grant and Wyatt that I felt between the other couples in the series. Both characters were very nice and likeable, but I wish their relationship could have been developed a little more. This is a fun, quick read that great for the holiday season.

Buy Sappy Pine Trees and Sticky Fingers  here and here.

~ M

Skin Deep by Hank's Lady

Skin Deep by Hank's Lady

Kyle is good looking, wealthy and seemingly has boundless opportunities in life. Many would give their right arm for just a fraction of what he has. Even though he has the world at his feet, he is also very shallow, superficial, cruel and emotionally unavailable. His father runs a successful modeling agency, so looks are everything in his family. When a witch casts a spell on Kyle in order to teach him a lesson, he soon discovers that there are more important things in this world than how a person looks or what kind of status he/she has. A lonely vampire slowly shows Kyle that love is worth more than all treasures of the world.

When I started reading this story, I was unfamiliar with the movie Beastly. I knew a little bit from the trailers I'd seen when it was released years ago, but I had no clue about the characters. I recently had the opportunity to watch the film and it provided a great backdrop for Hank Lady's latest tale. Kyle is the epitome of the man you love to hate. He's mean, attitudinal, shallow and just an overall prick. Edward is so shy and melancholy that I constantly want to reach through the computer screen and give him a hug. The developing relationship between the two main characters is both sweet and frustrating (in a good way), and I can't wait to see where it goes in future chapters.

~ M

Story links: FF.net  TWCS

Banner by Mina Rivera

Book Review: In Another Life by Cardeno C.

4.5 stars

This an adorable story about an 18-year-old, Shiloh, who feels his life has reached such a low that it would be better for everyone, in his mind, if he committed suicide. As he's taking his final breaths, he gets a glimpse of what his life could be if he lived. Not only does he have a great job and overall happiness, but he also finds the love of his life. Will Shiloh be able to live out the great life he's destined to have or will he be forced to regret the life he gave up?

This short story is filled with emotion, tenderness, heat and plenty of fluffy "aww" moments. Shiloh and Travis have a love many wish they could have and it was sweet seeing how everything turned out for the two men. Definitely recommended.

Buy In Another Life  here and here.

~ M

Hate Me by dreamingkate

Hate Me by dreamingkate

Whenever Kurt wants to shut down a disagreement or argument, he throws the cheating incident in Blaine's face. He is unaware how much this hurts his fiance and how the incident still deeply affects him to this day. Kurt's heart breaks when he overhears Blaine saying affirmations to convince himself he's not horrible person.

Wow! This is one angsty story! The emotions portrayed by both characters are so palpable that my heart literally hurt for Blaine and his feelings of self-loathing brought about by the person he loves most. I would definitely recommend this short story. It will tug at your heartstrings.

~ M

picture credit: ineslovesdc

Sure Eyes by KellanCougar

Sure Eyes by KellanCougar

New student, Emmett McCarty, is determined to fit in and make it on to the starting team. However, before he can do so, he must complete a sadistic and cruel hazing ritual. He is tasked with seducing foreign student and outcast, Edward Cullen, and then humiliate him in front of everyone at the big Halloween party. Emmett doesn't want to do it, but at the same time, he wants to fit in, so he begrudgingly agrees. He and Edward soon become close friends and as the Halloween deadline nears, Emmett frantically tries to come up with a way to avoid hurting the guy he's developed genuine feelings for.

I really enjoyed this story about a young man who is forced to get to know someone because of a dare, but ends up finding a true friend and confidant. There are a couple twists and turns that will keep you on your toes, but all in all, this is wonderful read.

~ M

Screwed by AuthorBoi

Screwed by AuthorBoi

Seth is in hell. He and his mom move back to La Push after the death of his father and into a world he knows nothing about. The guys on the reservation, for the most part, seem okay, especially Brady, Paul and Embry, but Jacob Black soon turns into the bane of Seth's existence. Jacob is constantly putting Seth down and making him feel completely stupid and useless for no reason whatsoever. He just wants to get through school so he can go to college and forget about his dismal life. However, changes are quickly occurring that change Seth's entire world.

It's no secret that Seth is my favorite character in the Twi universe, so I was delighted when I discovered this story. It's filled with emotion, tension, heartbreak and fluff. As always, Seth is a wonderful, sweet and nerdy character who also has flaws and Jacob is the the guy you love to hate. Definitely give this story a try! It's great!

~ M

Backstage Pass by MinaWritesSlash

Backstage Pass by MinaWritesSlash

Riley and his twin, Victoria, are traveling around Europe after graduating from college early. When he finds out that his all-time favorite band, Breaking Midnight, and crush, Edward Masen, are going to be in Rome playing a small show, Riley immediately braves the cold and a long line to buy tickets. Little does he know that a chance encounter at a cafe will lead to his dream come true.

This is a delightful story that everyone can relate to. We are all fans of someone or something, so living vicariously through Riley as he meets his idol and celebrity crush is a fun experience. The chemistry between the two men is really sweet and I found myself cheering by the end of the story. I definitely recommend this incredibly fluffy and romantic story!

~ M