Book Review: Peter Cratchit's Christmas Carol by Drew Marvin Frayne

Peter Cratchit, a young lad preparing to make his way in the world, is the eldest son of Scrooge’s lowly clerk Bob Cratchit. Peter flourishes under the tutelage of his “Uncle” Scrooge and seeks to make his mark as a man of business, like his uncle before him.

One Christmas Eve, as Scrooge lays dying, Peter embarks on a risky ocean voyage that he believes will secure the future for his family. Onboard, Peter finds love, happiness, and success, only to lose it all by the voyage’s end.

Returning to London, Peter shuns his family and instead finds himself living on the streets, haunted by his failures and his dead lover, selling his body just to survive while he waits for the winter cold to claim him once and for all. But winter snows also mean Christmas is coming, and for the Cratchit family, Christmas is a time of miracles. Can a visit from three familiar spirits change Peter’s life again? Is there one more miracle in store for the lost son of one of Dickens’ most enduring families? 

I thought this was a delightful and fresh take on the classic Charles Dickens story, A Christmas Carol. I enjoyed reading a continuation of the story from Peter's point of view and how he navigates through life and love. If you're looking for a quick and interesting Christmas read, this is the one for you!

I received a copy of this book from the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design and voluntarily provided my honest review. 

 

~ M

Book Review: Reindeer Games by Kenzie Cade

Wassail is a small town that loves Christmas! There are plenty of activities, decorations and holiday whimsy. Dashing "Dash" von Stride works diligently to make toys and prepare for the big Christmas decorating competition amongst fellow shop owners. For most of the participants, the contest creates friendly competition, but there is always that one person who has to take everything a step too far. Frustrated that his display will fall flat, Dash opens his shop one morning to find a gorgeous sleigh, which would be perfect for his entry in the competition. He doesn't know where it came from or who left it there. However, that sleigh will open up a whole new world of possibilities, discoveries and even love.

Reindeer Games is a sweet Christmas tale which weaves the legend of Santa, his elves and reindeer into a more modern setting. Dash is a likable character who I rooted for, and Nik is mysterious and dashing (no pun intended) in every way. The only problem I had with the story was the lack of chemistry between the main characters. We are told they are destined to be together, but I never felt their connection. They are certainly attracted to one another, but in this type of situation when there is insta-love due to fate and/or being soulmates, I have to really believe their strong bond. Unfortunately, I did not.

All in all, this is a nice, relatively uncomplicated, quick Christmas read.

I received an ARC from the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Buy Links
Less Than Three Press | Amazon

~ M

Book Review: Stardust by Andrew Grey

Duncan finds himself in Germany while overseeing an important project for work. As loneliness sets in, he befriends a kind co-worker, Georg, who not only becomes a tour guide to Duncan, but also captures his heart. As Duncan's time in Germany comes to a close, he tries to soak in as much of this wonderful man as possible before they go their separate ways.

Overall, I thought this was a pleasant and enjoyable read. The blossoming romance between Duncan and Georg was sweet and both MCs were very likable.

I wish a little more focus could have been given to Duncan's past relationship. Every once in a while bad thoughts and memories would pop up, but he never really addressed them. It would have been nice to see him discuss his feelings of inadequacy with Georg.

My only real complaint was the abrupt ending of the book. I was shocked to see that I was only 85% of the way through the book (according to my Kindle), when I turned the page and saw an ad for the publisher. Hopefully Andrew Grey is planning a sequel so that readers can see what happens with Duncan and Georg's relationship in the future.

Buy links
Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

~ M

Book Review: Vixen's Valor (North Pole City Tales #3) by Charlie Cochet

As one of the famed Rein Dear who help Mayor Kringle deliver joy to children on Christmas Eve, Vixen has quite a reputation...but not the reputation one would expect. He's known to being quite the flirt and has broken more than a few hearts in his time. His best friend and fellow Rein Dear, Rudy, wishes Vixen would slow down and possibly find someone special. That's all fine and good for Rudy who is not only is Captain, but also won the heart of the Jack, the Prince of Frost.

Even though Vixen loves Rudy like a brother, he is also very jealous of his status and boyfriend. Vixen believes he deserves a prince as well. When Jack's cousin, Vale, shows interest in Vixen, he casually accepts his affections. However, he runs the risk of missing what may be the greatest thing in his life.

The third book in North Pole City Tales series certainly lives up to other two books! It is filled with excitement, humor, tension and plenty of swoon-worthy moments. Vixen is feisty, silly and covetous, and Vale is romantic, sweet and all around wonderful! As always, it was nice to see glimpses of other characters from the series, particularly Rudy and Jack.

All in all, this is a sweet Christmas story that will have you holding your breath half of the time and swooning the other. Highly recommended!

4.5 stars

Buy links
Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

~ M

Book Review: The Heart of Frost (North Pole City Tales #2) by Charlie Cochet

In this sequel to Mending Noel, The Prince of Frost, Jack, and the love of his life, Rudy, are trying to live their lives in peace. Even though many in the kingdom, including the King of Frost himself, have been skeptical about their relationship, Jack and Rudy don't care. They're in love and nothing can change that. When an accident occurs during Rudy's test run for The Big Flight on Christmas Eve, Jack is beside himself with worry and anger. Known for being a formidable force on a good day, Rudy and his friends worry that the stress and rage coursing through Jack may change him forever.

I loved Mending Noel, so I was extremely anxious to read this sequel that delves into the lives of Rudy the Rein Dear and Jack Frost. The world that Charlie Cochet has created in this series never fails to bring a smile to my face because all of the characters of Christmas and winter lore are represented in new and creative ways. Even though Rudy, with his fiery red hair, Jack are the main focus of the story, I enjoyed seeing the MCs from the last book, Tim and Noel, make an appearance. (Tiny) Tim continues to steal the show in my opinion with his unwavering kindness and positivity.

The book started out a little slow for me, but definitely picked up speed about a quarter of the way through. I only wish that Jack could have had some inkling of the terror he caused during his blackout. I understand such information could have sent him into a tailspin again, but he was so hateful towards his friends and the elf he loves. An apology would have been nice, but I understand why the author went this route.

The third book in the series, Vixen's Valor, was just released and I cannot wait to read it and continue my stay in this lovely world where everything is Christmasy and fun.

Buy links
Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

~ M

Book Review: The Working Elf Blues by Piper Vaughn

Garnet Evergreen, an elf who works at the North Pole, has been watching Wes since he was a little boy. Wes had a difficult life growing up, his parents died and he was forced to move from foster home to foster home, so Garnet always had a deep desire to bring joy into his life. Now that Wes is an adult, Garnet is dismayed to see that Wes is still spending much of his life alone.

Determined to make Wes' Christmas, and overall outlook on life, a little brighter, Garnet breaks the rules and travels to earth so he can stay with Wes for good.

This is another sweet, heartwarming Christmas story from Less Than Three Press. I enjoyed the magical feel of the story as well as the theme of hope, love and starting anew. Garnet is 100% adorable as the big-hearted elf who fell in love with a human. Wes' story is heartbreaking, but I was happy to see at least one being, other than his dogs, who truly looked out for him and ensured he was loved, whether he wanted to admit it or not.

The Working Elf Blues is a quick read that will certainly make your day a little brighter with Christmas cheer.

3.5 stars

Release Date: December 17, 2014

Buy links
Less Than Three Press | Amazon

~ M

*The publisher provided an ARC of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: The Wish Augur by Cecil Wilde

Gabriel Juarez lives a very mundane, unfulfilled life. He hates his job, his boss harasses and insults him on a daily basis and he only has one friend. Christmas is quickly approaching and the holiday just doesn't have the same luster or meaning now that his mother has passed away.

After another stressful day at work, Gabe wishes he could just have a hug. When he wakes up Christmas morning, there's a man his bed holding him tightly. Gabe doesn't know what is going on, but an elf named Felix is determined to make this the best Christmas Gabe has had in a long time.

This is an incredibly sweet holiday story that is heartwarming and fun. Gabe was a little cold towards Felix when he first arrived, but I enjoyed watching their friendship grow and Gabe's spirits lift. Felix is an adorable character who found joy in the smallest things. His attitude towards life, and Gabe, made me really like him as a character.

If you're in the mood for a feel-good story this Christmas season, definitely give The Wish Augur a try. It's a very quick read that will bring a smile to your face.

3.5 stars

                                                        Release date: December 17, 2014

Buy links
Less Than Three Press | Amazon

~ M

*The publisher provided an ARC of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

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

Book Review: Bless Us Every One by Gina A. Rogers

To his neighbors, Edan is a weird recluse who never leaves his house and is in a perpetually bad mood. Much like the Grinch, his heart starts to melt and grow when an optimistic and positive neighbor, Tim, knocks on his door and asks for help putting up Christmas lights. The two men develop a sweet friendship that eventually grows into something much more,

I really enjoyed this short story. It has the classic "be thankful for what you have because it could be much, much worse" theme, but it's not done in a cliche and corny way. Tim's outlook on life was beautiful and I couldn't help but absorb some of his positivity. Edan was scarred, both physically and emotionally, so it was nice seeing him slowly open up and heal with the help of Tim.

Since the story was so short, I would love to see more from this couple. I have a feeling there is much more to their story. Bless Us Every One is the perfect feel-good Christmas story that will warm you heart.

Buy Bless Us Every One here and here.

~ M

Book Review: Needing a Little Christmas by Silvia Violet

3.5 stars

Sweet short story about Eli, who spends Christmas in a secluded cabin in the woods after he discovers his boyfriend cheating. While there, he is "rescued" by the handsome and burly neighbor, Mac, on more than one occasion. The two men share an instant chemistry and soon find themselves fighting their growing attraction for one another.

I thought this was a really cute story. Mac was the perfect knight in shining armor for the Eli, who, after dealing with his jerk of an ex boyfriend, doesn't really feel the Christmas spirit. I enjoyed their interactions and their shy glances at one another were adorable. Even though this is a relatively short story, I wish the MCs could have been a little more developed. Although very likable, they seemed a little one dimensional.

Buy Needing a Little Christmas here or here.

~ M

Book Review: Mending Noel (North Pole City Tales #1) by Charlie Cochet

4.75 stars

Tim is an average elf who feels he is doomed to work in the administrative offices in North Pole City. Even though his father was a renowned toy soldier, Tim really holds no special talents or abilities. This is all made worse by his rude supervisor, Noel, who does everything in his power to make the elf as miserable as possible. When Tim overhears an assassination plot, he and Noel are thrown into an adventure where they discover self worth and love.

I absolutely loved this story! Charlie Cochet put an awesome twist on the Christmas characters we've all come to know and love over the years. My favorite was Rudy, the dashing, red-headed and famous Rein Dear who delivers toys and happiness to kids all over the world. In this world, reindeer do not pull a sleigh; the Rein Dears are pilots who make the deliveries themselves.

• Santa is not a jolly man who works one day a year, he's actually Mayor Kringle.
  

• Jack Frost is the son of the King of Frost and is the third most powerful creature (after the King and Mayor Kringle) in the land.

• Tim, who is small in stature, but big in spirit, reminded me of Tiny Tim from A Christmas Carol.

Tim is such a wonderful character. No matter what life, or Noel, threw at him, his positive outlook never wavered. Yes, he felt sorry for himself every now and then, but he never lost the Christmas spirit. On many occasions I just wanted to hug the little elf. Noel, on the other hand, is a confused, hurt and broken elf who doesn't know how to handle the feelings he's developing for Tim, so frequently lashes out, berates and humiliates him.

The secondary storyline involving Rudy and Jack Frost was just as charming and sweet. It would be wonderful to see more from these two in the future. In my opinion, Rudy and Jack deserve their own book! Their backstory was just as powerful and interesting as Tim's and Noel's.

My only complaint would be that the switching points of view were a little hard to follow sometimes.

Out of all of the 2012 Dreamspinner Advent stories, I think this is my favorite! I highly recommend this adorable story filled with angst, drama, romance, humor and adventure.

Buy Links

Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

~ M

A Different Kind of Christmas by naelany

A Different Kind of Christmas by naelany

Still mourning the sudden death of his wife, Jasper and his daughter, Bella, try to carry on the Christmas tradition of baking cookies. When a new neighbor, Edward, knocks on the door asking to use the phone because he's locked out of his apartment, Jasper's life, as he knows it, takes a positive turn. The two men and little girl develop a sweet friendship that encourages Jasper's and Bella's healing process. It also helps Edward as he tries to move on from a painful past. Even though he harbors a little guilt for having feelings for someone else less than a year after Alice's death, Jasper can't deny his connection to Edward.

There is only one word I can use to describe this story: heartwarming. Not only are the interactions between Edward and Jasper sweet, but the dynamic between the two men and Bella are just as charming. With Christmas literally right around the corner, this is the perfect holiday story filled with hope, healing and love.

~ M

A Merry Little Christmas by Darkira

A Merry Little Christmas by Darkira - COMPLETE

A little older and a lot wiser, Jasper and Edward awake on Christmas Eve and think back on the many Christmases they've spent together in the past 25 years. There have been ups and downs, but through it all their love never wavered.

This is one of my absolute favorite Christmas fanfic stories! It's fluffy and sweet, but what I really like about it is that Edward and Jasper are older and are beginning the second stage of their lives; the kids are grown and out of the house and now they can just enjoy each other once again. This is one feel-good story I'm sure you'll love!

~ M

Book Review: Inseparable by Chris Scully

4.5 stars

This is an incredibly sweet story about Adam, who is hit by a car and suffers amnesia. His best friend and roommate, Joe, is there to take care for him as he recuperates. Adam feels a strong connection to Joe, that goes beyond friendship, so he sets out to determine if the two of them are lovers. The revelation that Joe is gay, but he is not, surprises him, but only makes him more determined than ever to figure out his own feelings for Joe and the state of their friendship.

I really enjoyed this story; it's sweet, heartwarming and romantic, everything I look for in a Christmas story. Both MCs were very likable characters and Joe's boisterous family was charming as well. The only complaint I have is the small number of typos, but they weren't too distracting. I would definitely read this short story again in the future. :)

 Buy Inseparable here or here.

~ M

Book Review: Greeting Cards by Tinnean

4.5 stars

This is an absolutely adorable and heartwarming story about two men who develop a sweet friendship via greeting cards they mail back and forth to one another. When Ben Haggerty's boyfriend of eight years leaves him with virtually no explanation, he's crushed. Being an electrician, he never felt intelligent or clever enough for his boyfriend, Rick. It also didn't help that Rick constantly put him down and killed his self esteem. After months apart, Ben decides to send Rick a card asking him to come home. However, the card never reaches Rick. Instead it makes its way to Jason Prescott, a graduate student working on his second master's degree. Touched by the heartfelt words in the card, Jason writes back to Ben. Thus begins months of correspondence in which the men learn more about each other and develop something truly special.

Even though my heart broke for Ben for much of the first third of the book, this story turned out to be very sweet and put a smile on my face. Due to the fact that Rick put him down so often for being "blue collar" and unintelligent, Ben suffered from extremely low self esteem, but seeing his confidence slowly build because of Jason was lovely. Rick was the perfect villain and very easy to hate. Jason was so thoughtful, attentive and wonderful, everything Ben needed after being torn down for so long.

If you're looking for a story that will give you the warm and fuzzies, this is the book for you.

Buy Greeting Cards here or here.

~ M

The Night Before Christmas by starry-nights88

The Night Before Christmas by starry-nights88 - COMPLETE

On the night before Christmas, Edward and Jacob watch their twins each open a special Christmas Eve gift. The excitement and joy on their kids' faces make everything worthwhile. Little does Jacob know that Edward has a very special gift of his own for his life partner.

This is the type of story that I absolutely love to read at this time of year. It's sweet, fluffy and guaranteed to make me feel warm and fuzzy. There is no angst or drama, just cute kids and two men in love. Check it out!

~ M

Under the Christmas Tree by kitkat681

Under the Christmas Tree by kitkat681 - COMPLETE

Edward has been in love with this close friend and roommate, Carlisle for as long as he can remember. Unfortunately, Carlisle has no idea, so Edward has to stand by as Carlisle goes from woman to woman, his heart breaking a little each time. Edward's life shatters when Carlisle reveals that he's going to propose to his girlfriend, Esme. Will Carlisle ever see what's right in front of him or will Edward be doomed to suffer unrequited love while his best friend builds a life with someone else?

This story put me through the ringer right from the start. Edward's heartbreak was so palpable and I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen between these two guys. Originally a one shot, kitkat681 added a second chapter that's just as angsty and great! Definitely give this story a shot!

~ M

Blue Notes by karenec

Blue Notes by karenec - COMPLETE

Edward and Seth are completely enamored with each other. Their love is strong, but unfortunately not strong enough to convince Seth to come out of the closet. He asks Edward to hide their relationship and at first he's fine with it, but after a while the secrecy starts to wear thin. Not wanting to lose the love of his life, but at the same time, not wanting to live a life of only being able to express his love behind closed doors, Edward must make a difficult decision.

Seth is one of my favorite Twilight characters, so it was refreshing to see him portrayed as flawed, scared and indecisive. Usually he's bubbly and perpetually happy, which is great, but seeing this different side was nice for a change.  If you want to read a story about two complex characters who really have to look within themselves to find peace of mind, acceptance and happiness, check out Blue Notes!

~ M

Book Review: New York Christmas by R.J. Scott

4.5 stars

This is a very sweet story about two men who reconnect after college and fall in love. Ten years ago, Christian Matthews tutored Daniel Bailey in English literature when he was a TA senior and Daniel was a freshman with little motivation. Chris and Daniel are complete opposites. Chris is nerdy, quiet, and introverted, while Daniel is loud, extroverted and extremely rich. When they cross paths years later, Daniel is more determined than ever to explore the feelings he always had for his tutor. Chris, on the other hand, is still reeling from a recent incident at his former job and struggles with his self-esteem and the loss of the career he loves.

If you're looking for a feel good book that will bring a smile to your face and warm your heart, this is the book for you. The MCs are both extremely likable and endearing characters and I definitely rooted for them throughout the entire story. This is one book I wouldn't mind reading again in the future because it is really great. Plus, how adorable is the cover? It perfectly captures the characters and tone of the book. :)

~ M

All I Want for Christmas by SlashGal

All I Want for Christmas by SlashGal - COMPLETE

Nerdy and shy, Edward finds his perfect match at the post office when the handsome, bespectacled and equally nerdy Jasper helps him with his Christmas packages.The two awkwardly fumble into a sweet friendship that eventually turns into more.

It's no secret that I have a soft spot for stories that feature nerdy characters and this is one of the best out there! You will immediately fall in love with both Edward and Jasper as they try to impress and gain the attention of the other. If you're looking for a heartwarming, feel-good Christmas story, this is the one for you! It's definitely one of my favorites! :)

~ M