Lost Boys by vampireisthenewblack

Lost Boys by vampireisthenewblack

Carlisle is horrified when his progeny and former lover, Edward, returns after subsisting on humans. He originally left when Carlisle found Esme and was unable to accept that they're mates. When he returns, he brings along a very special gift. Disturbed by Edward's downward spiral into insanity, Carlisle must figure out how to love the fragile vampire and at the same time protect himself and Esme from him.

Talk about an edge of your seat story! I don't want to give too much away, but I can tell you that you won't be disappointed. vampireisthenewblack effectively portrays Edward's madness in such a frightening way that on more than one occasion a chill went down my spine. If you're interested in reading something completely different and engrossing, this story is for you!

~ M

Evergreen by ICMezzo

Evergreen by ICMezzo

It's Christmastime and Carlisle is busy trying to create the type of Christmas Edward enjoyed while human. Unfortunately, Carlisle is plagued with feelings of guilt and shame because he continues to have sensual thoughts about the newborn vampire. Not wanting to make Edward uncomfortable, he tries his best to bury them. When Edward reaches out to Carlisle, will he continue to hide his feelings or finally express them?

This is a very sweet one shot that brought a big smile to my face. Carlisle's torment and the discomfort displayed by both characters is so palpable and raw. Saying more would give the story away, but I highly recommend that you check this story out!

~ 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

The Politics of Christmas by lvtwilight09

The Politics of Christmas by lvtwilight09 - COMPLETE

Emmett and Jacob are madly in love and have been together for seven years. With Christmas quickly approaching, Jacob only wants one thing: to be out publicly and married to the man he adores. Unfortunately, Emmett is unwilling to fulfill Jacob's wish because he is Governor and must protect his image, both personal and political, at all costs. Will he let Jacob slip away or risk his career for the man he loves?

I really enjoyed this one shot. lvtwilight09 not only portrayed the immense love Emmett and Jacob shared, but also the turmoil both men endured due to Emmett's fears. Even though I wanted Emmett to just bite the bullet and come out, I also understood his point of view. Coming out, especially as a public, political figure can potentially be career suicide. With a good mix of angst and romance, The Politics of Christmas is a compelling and entertaining read.

~ 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

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

I hope everyone has a wonderful and slash-filled holiday!

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