Stockings and Sugarplums (Hearts of Snow Lake #6.5) by Ashton Cade

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Blurb

Phineas:

I’m not just attracted to Pastor Liam. I don’t only think he’s a great guy who I want to spend more time with. There’s more to it. Feelings I have never felt toward any guy, no matter how much I wished I would. As crazy as it sounds, Liam’s the total package. I didn’t even believe in this kind of nonsense before him, but I feel like he might be The One. 

Yeah, insane. I know. I never bought into that fairy tale, soul-mates bullsh!t before, but there’s this indescribable tug to be nearer to Liam, to get to know him better, that has never existed for me. What else could it be? Just one little problem with that though: I’m almost positive Liam’s not gay. He's a pastor, for crying out loud.

When push comes to shove in Liam's life, I start to understand exactly why the ministry is a calling for him. He can’t help himself. Self-preservation isn’t even part of the equation when there’s someone hurting and in need. That is what makes him so special. Not only has he made me believe in love, but he's also rekindling my faith in humanity. He's just so... good.



Liam:

Phineas has this air of sophistication and experience about him that I could never aspire to. He’s way out of my league. But he has me completely wrapped around his finger. 

I haven’t dated a lot, mostly because of my own awkwardness about the whole religious thing. Looking for a boyfriend in seminary seemed hopeless, and once I became a pastor, that made me undateable to a lot of the gay community. I’m attracted to him, that much is plain as day, but it’s more than that. It’s the way he looks at me, the way he jumps to help me whenever he’s got the chance. That’s not something I’ve ever really had before. And it's something I really need now that I'm juggling not only my ministry and my mother, but also a huge, new life-change that has fallen into my lap just in time for Christmas.

I need a man I can count on, who loves me. Could Phineas Molleni be the answer to my prayers?

Stockings and Sugarplums is a special holiday novella in the Hearts of Snow Lake series. It builds on the Thanksgiving book, Gravy and Gratitude. Happy Holidays from Ashton Cade and the town of Snow Lake!

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Stockings and Sugarplums is a quick paced, fast holiday romance by Aston Cade. This adorable story is part of the Hearts of Snow Lake series.

This is a great story, Liam, the new pastor, and Phineas fall in love. With just 113 pages, there isn't a whole lot to their storyline, but there are definitely some strong emotional moments.

The author once again creates a delighful read with great, fluid writing. The characters are both strong and interesting. The theme of found family is strong, and they find a homeless teen who perfectly adds to this storyline.

Liam and Phineas are so darn perfect together. Stockings and Sugarplums is a fun insta-love read that is perfect when you're in the mood for a sweet, fluffy romance. And if you haven't yet met the characters of the small town of Snow Lake, go back and start with Motorcycles and Macarons. You won't regret it.

Covet Thy Neighbor (Tucker Springs #4) by L.A. Witt

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Blurb

Welcome to Tucker Springs, Colorado, where sparks fly when opposites attract—but are some obstacles too great to overcome?

When tattoo artist Seth Wheeler meets his new neighbor, it’s like a revelation. Darren Romero is everything Seth wants in a man: hot, clever, single, and interested. For a minute he seems perfect. Then Darren drops the bomb: he moved to Tucker Springs to be a pastor at the New Light Church.

As a gay man whose parents threw him out, Seth has a strict policy of keeping believers at arm’s length for self-preservation. But Darren’s perseverance and the chemistry bubbling between them steadily wear down his defenses.

In a small town like Tucker Springs, Seth can’t avoid Darren—or how much he wants him. Which means he needs to decide what’s more important: protecting himself, or his feelings for his neighbor.

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Covet Thy Neighbor is a great addition to LA Witt's Tucker Springs series. 

When tattoo artist Seth meets his new neighbor, Darren, he's thrown for a loop. The attraction is instant, but one is an atheist and the other's a minister. Being a couple is gonna be a complication.

Their story is full of wonderful angst  based on realistic issues. This is all well developed and certainly a great topic to explore. I personally enjoy stories with religious conflicts, but if you don't, steer clear. I did have to separate my realistic views this time around, however, as I just can't imagine a pastor falling for an atheist. But, for a story sake, it's a fun plot.

Together, Seth and Darren are hot. Starting with a hook-up, things soon start to heat up, and they can't fight their feelings when things start to feel serious.

Covet Thy Neighbor is a sweet, feel-good romance. I definitely enjoyed it.