XOXO, Santa by Spencer Spears

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

How do you ask your best friend to be your first time?

Blake: What do you do when you realize at age 20 that you might like guys?

If you’re me, you come up with a brilliant and foolproof plan:
Proposition the one gay guy you know to swipe your V-card over winter break.
In my case, that’s my childhood best friend, Henry.

Just one problem—Henry hates my guts.

That’s okay, though, because I’ve got a Plan B:
Download an app, find a guy to hook up with, and figure out once and for all if I’m as gay as my internet search history suggests.

One more little problem—before I can meet the guy I’m messaging online, I have to get through a week’s vacation with Henry and our families.

Henry, who can’t stand me, but who I can’t get out of my head.
Henry, who’s off-limits, but who I maybe kinda sorta kissed last night?
Henry, who’s spending an awful lot of time checking messages on his phone…

XOXO, Santa is a 70,000 word stand-alone gay romance novel with holiday sweetness, first-time steam, and a borderline-unhealthy level of snark. It features jock/nerd, friends-to-lovers, and online love tropes.

My Rating - 4 Stars!

XOXO, Santa is a great enemies to lovers romance by Spencer Spears. 

Blake and Henry have a messy past; former best friends whose families are still friends. With some family time together in a cabin, they're forced to spend the holidays together. I always enjoy a good wintertime forced proximity! Add in two men who don't get along, and let the real fun begin.

Henry's always been out, but Blake struggles with his developing sexuality and exploring his gay feelings. Looking for some sexual guidance, as he's finally admitting he's gay, he turns to a dating app. As he forms an online friendship with a stranger, he certainly gets more than he expected. 

First, the humor is so damn funny. Seriously, some of the texts are absolutely hysterical. If you enjoy banter, sass, and innuendoes in text form, you'll love this one. If you enjoy dirty baking references, and some messy situations, you will laugh your ass off.

Second, the online friends aspect is well done. There's certainly no surprise, but I enjoy the way it's all executed. 

I always enjoy Spencer's writing, and this book is no different. The beginning is a little long winded, but it definitely sets up the situation. Blake's exploration into porn could have been summed up quicker, but don't let that stop you - just keep reading. Trust me. It's honestly just an authentically feeling situation. And from there, the humor starts. 

XOXO, Santa is a romance filled with endless banter and sass. Spencer Spears spares no expense in this delightful, sweet tale. This one has a little of everything, with a great mix of enemies to lovers, forced proximity, ex best friends, and online friends. It's definitely a cute story. 

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Merry Measure by Lily Morton

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:

Merry Measure by Lily Morton

Arlo Wright’s introduction to his sexuality came when he saw his older brother’s best friend, Jack Cooper, in his sweaty football kit. Unfortunately, he didn’t have long to enjoy the revelation because he promptly knocked himself out on a table. 

Relations between them have never really moved on from that auspicious beginning. Arlo is still clumsy, and Jack is still as handsome and unobtainable as ever.

However, things look like they’re starting to change when Arlo finds himself sharing a room with Jack while on holiday in Amsterdam at Christmas. Will the festive spirit finally move them towards each other, or is Arlo just banging his head against a wall this time?

From bestselling author, Lily Morton comes a warm romantic comedy set in chilly Amsterdam.

Universal Link

Goodreads

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Merry Measure is a fabulous romance by Lily Morton. From the start, it's super fun and adorable, sure to leave a smile on your face. 

There is a lot to love about this romance. It's a brother's best friend romance. It has a family road trip. And the secondary characters are fabulous. 

Jack and Alto's story is adorable, which a group of guys who are extraordinarily entertaining. They set off on a family trip and end up with some forced proximity, aka, a shared bed. The premise of the trip adds a ton of charm to the story. I just loved it all. 

Their trip involves a group of guys who I adore and could read about forever, as well as an ex who's an ass. As for the family, of lordy, they are crazy in a wonderful way. 

This is a tale with tons of snark and banter. It's full of crazy antics, chaos, accidents, and mishaps. And it's all marvelous. 

The writing is superb, with everything fully coming to life, including the setting. The author had me smiling and laughing throughout.

Merry Measure is perfectly entertaining. Lily Morton combines plenty of humor with sweetness in this totally cute and heartwarming read. I absolutely love everything about this story. I can't wait to read it again. 

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He laughs and makes his way out of the coffee shop, the crowd obligingly parting for him like he’s Jesus with a bread roll. 

I follow him, attempting not to ogle the gorgeous swell of his bum in his jeans. It’s a losing battle and one I’ve fought since I was eleven and eating soup in the kitchen of my family home. Young Arlo had looked up and seen a vision at the door—Jack in sweaty football gear that clung to his fifteen-year-old body like glue. And then Young Arlo had promptly had several revelations about his sexuality. He’d had to shelve thinking about them for a few hours, however, because he inhaled a crouton and, while choking, fell over and knocked himself out on the kitchen table. 

Not my finest moment, but looking back, not my worst either. 

That summer, I spent several months following Jack and my brother around, much to my brother’s mystification, as we were at that point in our relationship where he frequently wanted to batter me. I ceased my youthful pursuit of Jack when two things happened. The first was that my brother threatened to pull off my arms and legs slowly and then tell mum, if I didn’t stop following him and impeding his wooing of his crush at the time. The second was that Jack got himself a girlfriend—Samantha Hampson. I’d wallowed in misery for at least a month, and then my natural optimism surfaced, telling me that he’d notice me soon and that Samantha was a total ho and unworthy of my beloved.

He never did notice me, of course. Samantha went the way of many of his girlfriends, and then, after he came out as bisexual, his boyfriends. They were all perfect-looking, and they dated exclusively and generally looked like something from toothpaste commercials. But invariably something went wrong, and they’d vanish, only to be replaced by the next perfect specimen. 

I curl my lips at the thought of his latest one. Steven, who is spectacularly good-looking but also a complete twat. He’s cold and deeply possessive of Jack’s time, but Jack never seems to notice. My stomach roils a little at the thought that Steven has lasted longer than anyone else. Maybe this is it. They’ll get married and settle down and raise children or penguins, or whatever people in perfect relationships do. 

Not that I’d know. My love life is as scatty as my timekeeping, and my partners have all largely become the stuff of family legends—hilarious stories to be related at family parties to newcomers, like the time my boyfriend from university got stupendously drunk and refused to talk to anyone apart from our family dog. After a full weekend of deep and meaningful chats, Fee-Fee looked like she was glad to see the back of us when we went back to uni.

I don’t think I ever expected Jack to look at me, though. I’m his best friend’s little brother. The nuisance whose knees he patched up after a fall and who he tried to teach how to fish until he had to give up when I fell in the river. He’d never look at disastrous me. 

Unfortunately, even with this knowledge, I’ve never been able to completely shelve my youthful infatuation. Maybe because it was first love—intensely painful when it happens to you, like slamming your head into a kitchen table, but bits of it linger in lines on your heart. Maybe it’s also because he’s a genuinely lovely person, inside and out. He’s kind and thoughtful and clever and has never talked down to me.

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate Lily's new release, we are giving you a chance to win your choice of any book from Lily’s backlist! Three winners will be chosen!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57107/?

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Lily writes contemporary romance novels, and specialises in hot love stories with a good dose of humour.

Lily lives in sunny England with her husband and two children, all of whom claim that they haven’t had a proper conversation with her since she bought her first Kindle.

She has spent her life with her head full of daydreams and decided one day to just sit down and start writing about them. In the process she discovered that she actually loved writing, because how else could she get to spend her time with hot, funny men!

She loves chocolate and Baileys and the best of all creations – chocolate Baileys! Her lifetime’s ambition is to have a bath in peace without being shouted by one of her family.

Connect with Lily:

Facebook | Lily's Snark Squad Facebook Group

Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Website | Newsletter

Amazon Page | Goodreads | BookBub

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Jonty's Christmas (Unfinished Business #1.5) by Barbara Elsborg

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Have you ever had something that you’re really looking forward to but dreading at the same time?

Jonty’s always longed for a traditional family Christmas, and his boyfriend Devan thinks it’s the perfect time for Jonty to meet his big, boisterous, Christmas-loving family. But Jonty’s sure Devan’s parents aren’t going to think he’s good enough for their son. He probably isn’t. But he is good for Devan and the arrival of an unexpected guest gives him a chance to prove it.

Jonty never backs down from a challenge. His mouth won’t let him. But his brain is telling him that if he interferes, he might wreck any hope of acceptance. On the other hand, could his reward be the best Christmas present ever?

A little Christmas story that takes place before the epilogue of The Making of Jonty Bloom but can be read as a standalone.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Jonty's Christmas is an extraordinary holiday romance. Barbara Elsborg had me laughing from the first page on. After that, it just gets better.

We met Jonty and Devan in The Making of Jonty Bloom, which is a stellar read. These two men are complex and their love for each other astounding. To say they are survivors is an understatement. 

Now they're off to spend Christmas with Devan's family. And if you remember Devan's family issues, you know this won't be easy. Jonty is full of humor from the start as he always uses humor to cope when he's nervous. And oh, the humor! The car ride home is unforgettable. Good god, I love this couple. 

What follows is everything you'd expect from these two and the circumstances. The men are full, to the point of drowning, in snark and banter. It's just awesome. I love it all. I couldn't stop laughing out loud. So, yes, be careful where you are when you read this one. But there's a serious underlying tone throughout, as they deal with a lot of heavy issues. 

Poor Jonty. All of this family stuff is new to him and his awkward nature makes it tough for him to feel comfortable. Devan's family are snobs and things don't go so well for the two. But Jonty is still his usual happy self, trying to make everything good for Devon. 

Their Christmas involves a fun snow scene and some fantastic heat between the two. And in the end, the family issues are unavoidable. The way it all develops is so damn well done. It's beautiful and Devan and Jonty have way more tact than I could ever have. 

Jonty's Christmas is sweet, charming, and full of humor. This Barbara Elsborg gem is the perfect escape when you're looking for a quick, funny, feel-good read. It's like the best of Christmas gifts to read this treasure.

If you haven't yet read  The Making of Jonty Bloom, go do so now and then follow up with this perfect heartfelt read. You won't regret it. 

How to Save a Human (VRC: Vampire Related Crimes, #4) by Alice Winters

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

River

When I meet Bentley DeGray, I’m at the lowest point in my life because no matter how much I fight, my past won’t let me escape. Bentley makes me laugh and care and love, but what does any of that mean when I’m living a lie?

Things get complicated when I find out he’s with the Vampire Related Crimes Unit, the organization looking for answers about the abductions of prominent vampires.

The same organization that stands in my way.

My time is ticking down while I’m wound up in this role I’ve been forced to play, but I know that I would be drowning without Bentley by my side.

Bentley

We’re facing something that runs so deep that we don’t know who we can trust besides each other, even within the VRC. River makes me feel like every day is worth living and enjoying—like I’m not so alone. I can’t imagine life without him. But I know that if I want to keep him by my side, I will need to do everything I can to help him so our love doesn’t get cut short before it can truly grow.

How to Save a Human contains a cat who shows her affection by not drawing (much) blood, art projects that are a little… sketchy, the most underwhelming “bull” ride ever, and vampires that may or may not be in the mob. 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

How to Save a Human is another awesome read by Alice Winters. The fourth book in the VRC: Vampire Related Crimes series, it is recommended to read the series in order. 

It's hard to explain the pure genius of an Alice Winters book. It's a given that the main couple will be full of banter, barbs, and snark. You will laugh often, yet you will also fall in love with the men. Each couple is absolutely lovable and there's always some danger and action in the background. I say background since it's never an angst ridden affair. The writing is always fabulous, with a fluid pace, unique characters, and an intriguing storyline. And this one is just that!

In this edition of the series, the VRC is investing some murders and trying to solve their investigation. Unfortunately for Bentley, the man he met in the coffee shop is also the one his team is hunting. 

As far as the relationship is concerned, they meet in a cute way in a coffee shop which just so happens to involves some unicorn porn conversations. It's all classic Alice Winters hilarity which pulled me in immediately.  

As things progress, everything is sweet under all the banter. Honestly, I continue to be in awe of the way Alice manages to create a bond between her couples while always having non stop snark. Even during sex scenes. It's an impressive skill not all authors could achieve.

This story is one with conflict, as the two being involved is definitely a conflict of interest. It's also one with a serious undertone of Bentley losing all those he cares about. His relationship with his niece is touching, and the developing relationship with River isn't going to be an easy ride. River's illness is absolutely heartbreaking, but beautifully helps the story along. 

One of my favorite parts of the story is River's niece's reminder to enjoy the relationship you have with people for as long as you can have them. The good memories will far outweigh the pain of the loss in the end. I love this.

How to Save a Human is a fantastic read. This Alice Winters story is pure delight. I enjoyed every moment with these men and look forward to re-reading this one often. 

The Happy List (Better With You #1) by Briar Prescott

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

Gray
There are some things I excel at:
- Exercising rigid control over every aspect of my life
- Making sensible decisions at every turn
- Being organized, predictable and responsible to an abnormal degree
In short, I’m boring as hell and in desperate need of a change.
Luckily I have my best friend by my side and a newly written to-do list to guide my way through the murky waters of finding happiness.
It’s all very promising at first, but as weeks pass, I start to realize that the best part of my day has always been Kai.
And when I see him out on a date with some guy?
Let’s just say I’m definitely not happy about it.

Kai
I’m back in Boston after ten years of traveling, and I’ve fulfilled all my goals:
- See the world
- Figure out what to do with my life
- Get over my impossible crush on Gray
Check, check and check.
Life’s good until I accidentally find Gray’s happy list, which contains some very interesting things that friends never ever do with each other.
And as weeks pass, it becomes clear those not-so-innocent parts are the ones Gray is determined to explore with me.
In short, I’m screwed because no matter how hard I try, I can’t resist him, and pretty soon I'm forced to admit that I’m not as done with my crush as I thought I was... 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Briar Prescott's The Happy List is the first book in the Better With You series. And I love it all!

Gray and Kai's story is completely feel-good and sweet, full of delightful snark and banter. 

It all starts with an unwanted proposal, as Grey runs out on his now ex-girlfriend. Luckily for him, his best friend Kai is there to help him get away. 

Both men have some issues to deal with in their lives. Gray's a workaholic, who doesn't take any time to smell the roses. His need for control is going to put him in an early grave. And his life is a never ending cycle of boredom. And Kai's returning home after years away, hoping to get over his long time crush on his best friend. 

I love these men. As friends. And as lovers. Their bromance is awesome, but their romance is even better.

Their story is wonderful, as things slowly develop into more for the men. But the best is Gray's sexual awakening. The man seriously has no clue. My favorite line is "Wake up and smell the feelings, Gray, because you've caught some." This sums up Gray perfectly. 

But it's more than a sexual awakening for the man. Gray also has a long journey towards figuring out what he wants from life in general. His dealings with his brother are well done, with lots of frustration, anger, and more.

As for the title, well, that sums up what ultimately brings the men together. Gray creates a "Happy List" of things to do to break his dull routine. Kai is there to help him along the way, and things don't go the way either man expect.

In the end, this is a story of Gray and his life awakening. It's his journey of figuring out that life can be good, happy, and not boring at all. Basically, if you're looking for character growth, you will enjoy Gray's tale. 

Written in alternating 1st person pov, both men fully come alive, and their storyline is delightful. The emotions are plentiful for these men and I couldn't have asked for more. 

The Happy List is a fantastic tale of sexual awakening. And oh dear god, the ending is perfect. This Briar Prescott book is well worth a read the next time you're in the mood for a sweet friends to lovers romance. I'm excited to see what happens next in the series. 

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - After Felix (Close Proximity #3) by Lily Morton

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:

After Felix by Lily Morton

 

Close Proximity, Book 3

 

Sometimes the best love stories come in two parts.

When Felix met handsome journalist Max Travers, it was lust at first sight. It was just his luck that he then had to develop a terrible case of feelings and got his heart broken. However, two and a half years later, he’s over all of that. His job is going well, he has good friends, and he doesn’t lack for male company. Which, of course, is when Max has to come bursting back into his life.

Felix Jackson will always be the one who got away to Max. He’s spent their time apart regretting his actions and hoping for a second chance. When an accident lands him in Felix’s less than tender care, Max is determined to grab this opportunity. The only problem is that Felix is equally determined that he doesn’t.

From bestselling author, Lily Morton comes a story of missed opportunities, second chances, and two very stubborn men. This is the third book in the Close Proximity series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Amazon US  *  Universal Link

Goodreads

 

My Rating - 5+ Stars!

After Felix, is a phenomenal read. The third book in Lily Morton's Close Proximity series, it's easily read as a standalone, but the characters show up in the previous books.

Honestly, it's hard to review this one in a way that will do it justice. Trust me, it's an absolutely spellbinding story that will fill your heart with joy and then crush it next. And you will be grateful for every second of it all. Of course, it helps that it's loaded with humor in the form of snark and banter, thank god, to balance the heaviness a little.

This is an extraordinary story that takes the reader on one hell of an emotional rollercoaster. 

I was gripped at the start, and couldn't put this book down. The men and the character growth they experience is a spectacular story.  

There is some hot sex, some great humor, and plenty of laughs. Felix and Max are two men who arrange a sex without commitment arrangement. As hot as those scenes are, it's the feelings that evolve that had me hooked. 

Felix is a man who's opposed to love. He doesn't believe in it, feeling it makes a man weak.

Thus, this is a wonderful read as changes his tune. The confidence of these men is hysterical, and there are some interesting twists and turns, as they learn more about one another. 

Ultimately, this is a riveting journey of two men who are perfect for one another. They each fall in love, but they each fight doing so and struggle with being emotional available at the same time. Told in two parts, the author gifts the reader with the build up of the initial relationship. And, omg, the feels. Then the author fast forwards to their reunion and second chance. Again, omg, the feels.

Everything about this book is freaking amazing. The writing is as good as it gets, with two extremely multi-layered characters and their hard fought journey to get to the same place emotionally. I love it all.

After Felix is a must read the next time you're in the mood for a gut wrenching read. The ending is happy, but the journey is heart-wrenching. This Lily Morton book will take you through the wringer, but it's well worth the pain to get to the happy feelings at the end. It's an enthralling read that will have you needing to finish in one sitting, so set some time aside for this one. 

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I’m halfway home when my phone beeps. Digging it out of my pocket, I look down at the text and then give a startled laugh.

Max: Hope you’re home safely. 

A smile plays on my lips as I tap on my phone.

Me: Why wouldn’t I be?

Max: Well, you were walking a bit funny. I was concerned that I’d shagged your coordination out of you.

Me: I think that only happens when people get to your advanced age.

He sends me back a one-fingered emoji, and I laugh.

Me: I cannot even begin to imagine how your number ended up on my phone?

Max: I put it in while you were in the bathroom. Thought it might come in handy.

Me: For what? If I ever happen to need my autobiography written?

Max: I’ve already got the title. ‘Sassy and Shagged Out’. It’ll be a bestseller.

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate Lily's new release, we are giving you a chance to win your choice of any book from Lily’s backlist! Three winners will be chosen!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a5750/?

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Lily writes contemporary romance novels, and specialises in hot love stories with a good dose of humour.

Lily lives in sunny England with her husband and two children, all of whom claim that they haven’t had a proper conversation with her since she bought her first Kindle.

She has spent her life with her head full of daydreams and decided one day to just sit down and start writing about them. In the process she discovered that she actually loved writing, because how else could she get to spend her time with hot, funny men!

She loves chocolate and Baileys and the best of all creations – chocolate Baileys! Her lifetime’s ambition is to have a bath in peace without being shouted by one of her family.

Connect with Lily:
Facebook | Lily's Snark Squad Facebook Group
Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
Website | Newsletter
Amazon Page | Goodreads | BookBub

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Just My Luck by Alice Winters

Amazon Link - Available in KU

Goodreads Link

When I’m tossed into the trunk of a car, I realize that what little luck I have has finally run out—especially when I find that Tony, the man who’d abducted me, is planning on using me to get back at my father. My chances for escape look pretty bleak when I’m handcuffed to Tony’s bodyguard, an intimidating man named Shepherd who apparently loves tight shirts and seems to be amused by making my life miserable. Soon, though, I learn that Shepherd has a heart and a brain. And sometimes, those two things can be a bigger weapon than anything in a time like this. I just have to learn how to wield them.

After Shepherd gets me away from Tony’s men, I discover that he’s a survivor, a fighter, and the only person who seems willing to help me when it feels like the whole world is against me. At first, I’m not sure if I can trust the man, but the more we get to know each other, the more I realize that he’s funny and kind of sweet. He’s determined to protect me, but he doesn’t know all of my secrets. He doesn’t know that Tony isn’t the only one looking for me. But together, as we face betrayal and taking down the worst monster of all, we’re determined that we will be the lucky ones after all.

Just My Luck is a 101k book that includes a dog that wants to eat Killian’s face off (or maybe just play with his shoe), handcuffs used in a disappointing way, way too much running, a hero that can’t hit the broad side of a barn with a gun (which might have something to do with the fact that he picks up a book instead of practicing every chance he gets), a game of strip checkers that doesn’t go as planned, and two broken souls who find peace in each other. 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Just My Luck is another fabulous romance by Alice Winters.

With her usual snark and banter, she has once again crafted a lovable romance that will leave you mesmerized. 

Killian is taken hostage by Shepard. What follows is a hilarious series of barbs and chatter between the two men. Dear lord, I love the banter and wise cracks. 

Shepherd and Killian are amazing together. Both men are survivors with so much love to give. They deserve one another and I am so happy they found each other. The differences between the men are fantastic. One comes from a world of money and privilege, the other has been on the streets. And both are far too familiar with pain.

Their story is funny and sad. It's an adventure for survival, with a connection developing along the way. There are some good twists, witty banter and an adventure filled with love, secrets and lies. And Bear, the dog, who is just waiting to eat Killian is a spectacular addition to the fun. Omg, I love Bear!

All told from Killian's first person pov, this slow burn romance will keep you intrigued and entertained throughout. Damn, I love the way Alice tells a story. There's always a large dose of humor that lightens the danger and action, of which there is plenty. Her use of flashbacks in this tale is well done and adds tremendously to the strength of the story, as the reader slowly understands what has shaped Killian.

Just My Luck is another classic Alice Winters read. If you are a fan of her previous books, you need to read this one. If you have never read her books before, but you are a fan of snark and banter, read this now and then read her previous books. You won't be disappointed.

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