Heartwarming Advent Calendar Novellas Bundle 3

When the chance came to review the novellas for the Heartwarming Advent Calendar they all looked so good that we decided to do our Nina and Beans joint reviews thing and talk about them all.  Some are longer and those get their own review space.  Some are shorter and those we are putting together into small bundles.   So bundle up, snuggle down, sip that eggnog and let’s find something great to read.

Title:  Celebrating You

Author:  Grace R. Duncan

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press

Length:  56 pages

Rating:

Quad Shot of Love

Blurb:  With the world’s population down to almost nothing and his husband dead, Daniel is sure he’ll spend Christmas alone with his dog, cats, and goats. Jake has been wandering aimlessly since the world went to hell and he lost his partner. As far as he’s concerned, there’s nothing to celebrate. But he finds himself helping Daniel with his Christmas tree and listening to him describe all the things to be thankful for.

Through tree decoration, dinner, and a chess game, Daniel and Jake discover a connection between them that hints at a possibility both had long declared impossible. When the chess game is over and they’re in each other’s arms, they realize how good it feels… and how right. But after having lost everything, are they willing to believe in the possibility of something beyond basic survival?

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2013 Advent Calendar package “Heartwarming”.

Reviews:

Beans:  I was shocked to find myself reading a story with a dystopian bent. I have to admit I was confused for quite a bit of the story but the sincerity of Daniel and Jake to find a new someone was worth the rereading.

We know that Grace Duncan writes amazing characters, that goes without saying. I loved the men and tried to will more time and more story out of the small word count.

An interesting world the author gave us and I would be interested in exploring more of it.

Nina:  A fascinating world I would enjoy spending more time in. Maybe someday we’ll get to read what happens after this story.

I was impressed by the Daniel’s set up, he had managed to stake a claim and create a really good place for himself. All he needed was some human companionship to make his little world complete.

Jack had been alone for so long he had forgotten what it was like to just enjoy being around another person. He was the perfect complement to Daniel.

I really liked these men. They deserve to find a happy ending together in this strange and scary new world.

Title:  Last Leap of the First-Foot  

Author:  Ari McKay

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press

Length:  58 pages

Rating:

Up All Night Satisfaction

Blurb:  Iain Donaldson and Bran MacRae have been best friends since childhood, despite Iain being part of the gentry and Bran a mere crofter’s son. Iain’s feelings of friendship have deepened over time, and he suspects Bran might share his inclinations—and Hogmanay may be the time to confess feelings. As the old year becomes the new, Iain keeps his promise to first-foot at the MacRae cottage, and Bran takes the opportunity to bare his heart—will it be enough to overcome the challenges to their budding relationship?

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2013 Advent Calendar package “Heartwarming”.

Reviews:

Beans:  I adored every minute of this story. Historical m/m romance is a beautiful rare breed and when it’s done as superbly as this one it’s a gem. Truly you will crave more of these men. Their affection and friendship is stunning.

They both knew how forbidden their love was considered and the depths of pain, hope, and struggle was breathtaking. I have only one complaint and that is that the story had to end. A must buy.

Nina:  These sweet boys are wonderful. Best friends who’ve been in love for years, both unable to say anything about their feelings for fear of rejection and because relationships between two men don’t exist in their time or place. I was rooting for them to find a way to finally come together as they were meant to and make a future as more than friends.

Title:  A Swift Herd

Author:  Andi Van

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press

Length:  50 pages

Rating:

Quad Shot of Love 

Blurb:  Martin Jones is driving home after working retail on Black Friday when he nearly hits an elk in the middle of the road. A drunk elk. A drunk, talking elk. Martin is pretty sure he’s hallucinating—right up until he discovers shape shifter Haven Clarke in his bed the next morning. Their awkward meeting leads to a friendship that quickly deepens, and soon Haven has to take Martin to meet his herd’s leaders. What Martin finds out may change his life forever.

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2013 Advent Calendar package “Heartwarming”.

Reviews:

Beans:  I love a story that makes me laugh within a page of reading. This was a fantastic break from the angst of life. It was cute, but with a little maturity to add to some of the awesome. Martin is tired with life. He needs Haven to come into his life to shake it up, give it hope. Adored this one!

Nina:  A fun and sweet story of shapeshifters and falling in love.  These guys were so cute together.  I really liked the world building that we got glimpses of and I would love to read more stories set in this universe.  A very entertaining read.